Job Details

Fowler Elementary School District

Job Title: HEAD START TEACHER

Description: The Head Start Teacher develops and implements an academic and non-academic program for children in accordance with the state policies and regulations governing Head Start Programs. He/she contributes to the education of assigned children and is responsible for the social and behavioral operation of the Head Start Center.

Qualifications:

• Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA), Early Childhood Education Certificate (30 Credits) or an AA Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or equivalent
• Bachelors Degree in Child Development, Early Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related fields is preferred
• Five (5) years experience in developing and implementing programs for children
• One (1) year experience working with children in a school/education or childcare environment
• Must be 21 years of age (licensing requirements)
• Food Handler's Card
• Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Valid Arizona Driver's License
• MMR and TB Vaccinations
• CPR and First Aid Certificate
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when dealing with staff, parents, children, and others both in and out of the district
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors
• Must be able to reach, stoop, kneel, etc.; and lift/carry up to 35 lbs
• Must be an energetic, highly ethical and possess good emotional and physical health

Knowledge of:

• State policies and regulation governing Head Start Programs in public schools
• English language including reading, writing and oral communication
• Spanish including reading, writing and oral communication is desired
• Technology including computers (Word, Excel, Microsoft Office, etc.), copiers, printers, fax machines and other related office equipment
• Arithmetic and basic mathematic procedures

Ability to:

• Develop daily lesson plans and utilize standard educational materials and equipment
• Exhibit mature judgment and provide leadership for Head Start personnel
• Comprehend and perform functions from written and oral instructions
• Organize and prioritize work, take initiative and adhere to time restraints
• Work effectively with a diverse multi-cultural environment

Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an appropriate academic and nonacademic Head Start Program for children based on individual interests, needs, abilities and group dynamics
• Supervise Head Start personnel and volunteers and provide training and orientation as needed
• Instruct teachers regarding the component of an appropriate curriculum for children and assist staff in developing and implementing lessons for children in Head Start Center
• Maintain a positive Head Start environment that develops social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills; as well as promotes and supports cooperation, learning and enjoyment
• Facilitate team planning sessions to develop curriculum/activities to enhance the Head Start program
• Plan and facilitate team assessment sessions to develop individual goals for each child
• Maintain individual student records and keep all necessary documentation current
• Monitor and observe each student's progress and record relevant data to aid in the writing/updating of individual goals
• Work closely with support staff in providing assistance to children with special needs
• Work closely with school staff in the provision of direct services and the development of goals for children with disabilities
• Design and maintain an attractive and clean Head Start Center
• Coordinate with the school the use of the art, library and computer labs
• Monitor and/or participate in outdoor activities
• Supervise and enforce rules and procedures for student discipline and classroom management
• Work with the staff to continually maintain good student behavior and safety in the classroom, halls, cafeteria, gymnasium, playground and on field trips
• Instruct and monitor staff to complete and maintain all necessary paperwork and records on each child
• Implement federal, state and local health and safely policies and procedures
• Complete and maintain all documentation for compliance with federal, state, and local health and safety procedures, Head Start performance standards and licensing regulations
• Prepare a year-end report (student enrollment, student and staff attendance, expenses, personnel records, etc.) to be sent to the district
• Oversee inventory and the acquisition and preparation of materials and equipment needed for the daily operation of the Head Start Center
• Requisition, receive and distribute materials and supplies
• Initiate purchase order requisitions using computer program system
• Communicate with parents regarding program policies, changes and events
• Assist with recruiting children and parents for Head Start Program
• Plan and organize parent meetings as needed and/or required
• Conduct and/or instruct and monitor teachers during Parent/Teacher conferences
• Provide training and orientation for parents/guardians, staff and volunteers as needed
• Schedule district maintenance services and work orders using computer program system
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of equipment used in the Head Start Center
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials
• Ensure that all play equipment and toys are sanitized
• Organize and assist with meal/snack service and clean-up throughout the day
• Ensure that personal care needs of students are being addressed
• Meet children at buses or transportation areas as needed
• Walk children to buses or transportation areas as needed
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with children, parents and staff members, etc.
• Conduct annual/semi-annual evaluations on all Head Start personnel according to District policy
• Assist with recruiting staff and recommendations for hire
• Assist personnel in filling out reports and staff timesheets
• Maintain records verifying appropriate educational certification or credential for Head Start personnel
• Participate in district sponsored professional development workshops/inservices, attend professional meetings, read professional journals and publications, etc. for continued professional development
• Maintain strict confidentiality and use appropriate discretion when working with all district personnel and student and family records and/or information
• Support and follow the rules, regulations and policies set by the School Board, the Head Start Program and the District
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the School Board, the Head Start Director or his/her designee

Length of Employment:

• Nine (9) months
• School calendar will determine the days worked during the school year

Reports to: Director of Early Childhood

Evaluation: Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Governing Board Policy GDO