Teacher - Head Start

Position: Head Start Teacher

Terms of Employment: Beginning Date of Employment – Open Until Filled

10 month position - 37.5 hours per week

General Statement of Duties

Under general supervision, provides developmentally appropriate educational services to children enrolled in the Rockingham County Schools Early Learning Head Start program in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Work involves planning and carrying out a daily program with the goal of meeting the physical and developmental needs of individual members of an assigned group of young children. Employee is responsible for developing weekly lesson plans, ordering classroom materials, assessing children's progress, working with and supervising aides and volunteers, and holding parent-teacher conferences. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in developing and carrying out weekly lesson plans. Employee must also exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contacts with parents. Reports to the Head Start Education Manager.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Plans and carries out the daily indoor and outdoor educational and recreational activities designed to enhance the social, intellectual, physical and emotional development of underprivileged and special needs children at an educational center operated by the County Head Start program.
• Prepares and submits monthly lesson plans to the Education Manager.
• Assigns and coordinates the activities of aides and volunteers; encourages parental involvement in Head Start program and counsels parents to enhance their role as a principal influence on each child's development.
• Provides care and protection for the children, helping them to adapt to and cope with real-life situations and to develop appropriate habits in such activities as eating, dressing and use of the bathroom.
• Notes physical condition of each child and reports conditions needing attention; administers first aid when needed.
• Maintains progress records on the emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development of the children; reports signs of abuse or neglect to Head Start Education Manager.
• Holds regular individual parent-teacher conferences and participates in parent group meetings; visits client children's homes at least three times a year.
• Assists in maintaining attractive, healthy surroundings and ensures that classroom, equipment and materials are kept in good condition; monitors outside play areas for trash and safety hazards.
• Assists in service of breakfast, lunch and snacks to client children; assists in associated set-up and clean-up activities.

• Coordinates with Head Start Leadership to ensure students have access to needed resources;
• Attends preschool training and develops professional development plans for personal growth in the classroom.
• Prepares cots for children's afternoon rest period.
• Attends and participates in general staff meetings and training sessions.
• Performs other related work as required.
• Performs DIAL4 (Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning 4) on each child in the classroom.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the growth and development of young children, including under privileged and handicapped children, and the impact of group relationships.
• Knowledge of teaching techniques as applied to developmental preschool programs.
• Knowledge of the growth and development of young children and the implementation of appropriate programs to meet their needs.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and first aid methods.
• Ability to plan a wide variety of programs and experiences to meet the needs of young children.
• Ability to establish warm and supportive relationships with children on a group and individual basis so that an environment of trust and security is maintained.
• Ability to recognize problems of both a physical and psychological nature as exhibited by children.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to implement individual education programs for handicapped children.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Physical Requirements

Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of a Head Start classroom in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards. This includes actively supervising children at all times; participating in indoor and outdoor learning activities; and ensuring a safe, healthy learning environment. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, and sitting on the floor with children. Must be able to lift, carry, and move classroom materials, equipment, and supplies, as well as assist children as needed. The role involves operating classroom and instructional equipment, including audio-visual and technology-based learning tools. Physical demands are consistent with Light Work and exceed sedentary work requirements.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood development, education, or a related field that will qualify for Birth-Kindergarten licensure as a teacher by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Must not be on the NCDPI list of teachers no longer qualified to teach and/or must not be currently engaged in a certification revocation hearing process Must have at least two years of experience in teaching preschool, preferably with some experience in working with under privileged or special needs children.