General Description:

The Early Head Start (EHS) Teacher, is responsible for a classroom of 4, 6 week-old to three year old children. The teacher is responsible for classroom arrangement and weekly lesson plans to meet goals and objectives of the program Performance Standards.

Specific Responsibilities:

Child Development – Responsible for implementing classroom experiences (Lesson Plans) that support each child’s individual growth and development in an environment that is healthy, safe and conducive to relationship building

Teaching-Perform teaching tasks as directed by Child Development Specialist (CDS) and as outlined in the curriculum. Actively participates in outdoor activities with the children and co-teacher.

Collaboration- Collaborate with the parents in planning, organizing and carrying out experiences to provide for the physical, social, emotional, nutritional and cognitive development of the children in the program as specified in the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Screening and assessments – In accordance with the Program Performance Standards and the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) schedule each child will be assessed and screened with an age-appropriate tool, beginning with an initial screening within the first 45 days of school.

Communication – Participate in regularly scheduled supervisory, center team, student, and staff meetings. The EHS Teacher is responsible for using an Orange County Public Schools email address to facilitate electronic communication.

Record keeping - Responsible for maintaining and providing designated records on an ongoing basis (Volunteer sheets, daily attendance, Case Notes anecdotal records, and individual assessment, etc.) in accordance with the policy on confidentiality.

Special Diets-Responsible for accommodating special diets as outlined in an individual child’s IHP.

Facilities, Equipment, and Consumable supplies-Responsible for facilities, equipment, and consumable supplies used in the classroom including maintaining a clean, sanitary and comfortable classroom environment. This includes playground/gymnasium where applicable.

Referrals-Assist in providing program children and their families with information on services and support programs that are available.

Staff Support-Establish an effective working relationship with other staff members and management. Additionally, the EHS teacher will assist with the program evaluation process.

Personal Development-Participate in workshops and other trainings deemed necessary by CDS or Director, with an annual accumulation of a minimum of 16 certifiable clock hours. The EHS teacher seeks out continuing educational opportunities to maintain minimal certifications or to further academic credentials. First year teachers will be assigned a buddy teacher for the year.

Parent Involvement – Conduct a minimum of two home visits and two parent teacher conferences per year. During these meetings EHS teacher will share program information and discuss the child’s progress. Teachers will participate in monthly parent meetings and provide opportunities for parents to participate in classroom/program activities. Coordinates and conducts Volunteer Training for volunteers, and assist volunteers who participate in classroom activities. Assist in providing parent education and enrichment activities that support the individual needs and interests of children and comply with the Program Performance Standards.

Must adhere to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

Other Duties: As assigned and occasional work at different location

Qualifications:

Must hold current Infant/Toddler CDA/or an Associate’s degree in early childhood education.

Must have physical ability to repeatedly lift infants and toddlers or classroom equipment on a regular basis.

Must have a valid Virginia driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Must hold current CPR/First Aid, MAT and C

Early Head Start Teacher