Job Description

Position Title: Early Head Start Teacher 

Immediate Supervisor: Education Coordinator

Titles of Position Supervised: None 

Major Objectives: Demonstrate excellent teaching practices, maintain the security and safety of the children, and implement an educational program that is developmentally appropriate and congruent with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Arkansas Minimum Licensing Requirements. 

Qualifications: 

1. Minimum CDA or Higher.

2. Initial and periodic physical exam demonstrating the strength and stamina for the physical demands of spending extended time at the children’s level, lifting up to 40 pounds and handling equipment, furniture, and materials.

3. Have or be willing to obtain/maintain required professional development.

4. Cleared FBI Record check, including fingerprints, Criminal Record check and Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry check.

Essential Job Results: 

1. Maintain and promote a safe and healthy environment for young children by:

a. Ensuring the children are not left unattended at any time.

b. Supervising indoor and outdoor play areas in such a way that children are easily monitored.

c. Learning and following regulations/requirements for operating a Head Start classroom.

d. Following safety standards and participating in emergency response drills.

e. Checking to be sure equipment and supplies are safe, durable, adequate, and varied.

f. Following appropriate discipline guidelines to include offering positive reinforcement, redirection, setting realistic expectations, and setting  clear and consistent limits.

2. Manage classroom by:

a. Following daily lesson plans and creating a positive, stimulating, and peaceful environment.

b. Creating individualized plans and home tasks for each child.

c. Assessing children and creating individualized goals from these assessments.

d. Encouraging parents to participate and volunteer in the classroom.

e. Developing relationships with children which are consistent and supportive.

f.  Understanding the importance of meeting both the needs of the group and individual children.

g. Eating and interacting with children at meal and snack times.

h. Understanding/following all attendance, health check, and family contact procedures.

i.  Following established behavioral expectations and guidelines for disciplining children.

3. Demonstrate physical and mental abilities by:

a. Supervising children to ensure a safe learning environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in the classroom, outdoor play areas and on field trips. This includes the physical ability to move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others in the environment.

b. Responding appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or crisis situation.

c. Daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs.

d. Occasional lifting up to 40 pounds.

4. Assists with ongoing documentation and site accountability including, but not limited to: