Head Start - Head Teacher

A.        GENERAL SUMMARY OF WHAT THE POSITION

This position serves as the lead worker in a classroom of Head Start children by planning, implementing, and supervising all classroom activities. This position works with typically developing children and children with disabilities.  Because this position is one part of a large system of services provided to children and families this position also serves as a social service referral person and shares responsibility for parent involvement in the program. The position of Teacher works in tandem with the rest of the parts of the system as an integrated team to support the goals of the program. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations. 

B.        DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

 Duties of the position are described in major functional areas listed below.  Additional  duties may be assigned.

 EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES

a.   Program Development

1. Attends all required training and workshops to include but not limited to 21 hours of classroom focused professional development and methods that comply with applicable State and local laws for identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect.

2. Remains up-to-date on information that pertains to the needs of the children in the program including Head Start Performance Standards, child care licensing regulations and other applicable regulations and practices.

3. Works as a team member with the other education staff, parents and Parent Committee members to develop a curriculum that is meaningful and meets the individual and program needs.

4. Responsible for the weekly preparation of daily lesson plans, which includes objectives to be posted for parents, volunteers and visitors in the classroom.

5. Develops an individual plan for each child to include goal setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established goals (outcomes).

6. Schedules home visits and parent-teacher conferences with families as required and on an as-needed basis and documents these events.

7. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.

8. Prepares and maintains a safe, healthy learning environment for children that is positive, developmentally appropriate and experientially-based.

9. Develops individual training plans for all staff supervised making it clear what is expected and what the time frame is for completion of short and long term goals.

 b.   Preschool Program Implementation

1. Supervises all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities.

2. Plans and provides a developmentally and linguistically appropriate curriculum and experiences in a manner appropriate to the ages, languages and cultures of children served.

3. Directs any special needs