Head Start Teacher - Preschool

Position - Teacher

Description - Parents In Community Action, Inc. (PICA) is a private, nonprofit agency designated by the federal government to operate Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Minnesota. PICA serves over 2,600 children and families and offers a variety of programs and services.

PICA is seeking a passionate and dedicated Head Start Teacher to plan, implement, and evaluate child development experiences for enrolled Head Start children. The Head Start Teacher maintains a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that meets all Federal, State, and Head Start requirements.

Job Title: Head Start Teacher

EXEMPT

Supervised by: Center Director /Center Supervisor

Job Summary: The Head Start Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating child development experiences for the enrolled Head Start children. This position is responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that meets all applicable requirements.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a clean, safe, and positive classroom atmosphere and space.
• Implement an individualized curriculum tailored to each child’s developmental needs.• Direct Assistant(s)/Aide(s) in their interactions and curriculum delivery with Preschool aged children.
• Complete all required documentation, including daily journals, incident reports, and other records• Provide training and technical assistance to classroom staff and volunteers.
• Promote parent engagement and involvement in all aspects of the program.• Participate in Mediator Team meetings.
• Supervise education staff, parent trainees, substitutes, and classroom volunteers, providing guidance, motivation, problem-solving, and ensuring confidentiality.• Manage assistant teachers and aides, including approving timesheets, conducting observations, and completing performance evaluations.• Review classroom materials prepared by supervisees for accuracy and completeness.• Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained.
• Attend staff, parent, and agency meetings, as well as required trainings and assigned meetings.• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance to ensure continuity of care for children.• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and adherence to Federal and State licensing regulations, as well as Head Start Performance Standards, for the Head Start Teacher role.• Experience and knowledge in early childhood development and teaching techniques, or a relevant combination of education, experience, and training.
• Strong interest and willingness to work with Preschoolers and their families.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with individuals from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Cross cultural competence, including knowledge of cultural, economic and language differences to ensure inclusive practices and integration of services

Experience and Qualifications Required:

• An Associate’s Degree/BA/MA in early childhood education or similar with child development classes and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in early childhood development and teaching, including experience with preschool-aged children.
• This position requires repetitive physical activity, including standing and/or walking for extended periods of time, bending, crouching, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and the ability to lift and safely carry at least 50 pounds.
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Starting Salary: $24.56-28.66/HR.

Excellent working conditions and benefit package including low cost medical insurance, paid dental/life insurance, Personal/annual leave, retirement benefits, and education/training opportunities. Occasional evening and weekend work.

Apply online at www.picaheadstart.org or at 700 Humboldt Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411. AA/EOE

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.61 - $28.66 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person