In support of the Agency’s mission, the Teacher is responsible for developing strong nurturing relationships with young children aged 6 weeks to 3 years, including planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate learning environment that includes meaningful experiences that prepare children for success in school environments. In partnership with the parents, the Teacher also promotes family engagement in their child’s learning. Additionally, the Teacher is responsible for encouraging a high level of parent involvement and the delivery of family support services to advocate for greater self-sufficiency of Head Start families. This position provides the initial link between the Head Start program, the community, and the families it serves. Responsibilities include compliance with federal and state Head Start Performance Standards, Agency/Head Start Policies and Procedures, Oregon Childcare Division regulations, and QRIS standards. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: • Responsible for understanding and implementing the appropriate policies and procedures and performance standards as prescribed by the Community Action Head Start Program. • Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, orderly and nurturing classroom environment organized into functional areas. • Develop a consistent and responsive classroom schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, and meals. Facilitate safe and effective transitions between activities. • Using a research-based curriculum and inquiry-based approach, prepare and implement lesson plans and classroom materials to support a developmentally appropriate education program. • Develop and maintain Primary Care-giving assignments, routines, and philosophies. • Encourage developmentally appropriate exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, socialization and choice-making. • Serve and track meals and snacks according to program Food Service procedures. • Work in partnership with classroom staff to encourage collaborative team interaction that facilitates respectful relationships, embraces diversity, and encourages constructive problem solving. • Develop and maintain regularly scheduled planning and team meetings. • Ensure that classroom is in compliance, and maintaining that no child is left alone or unsupervised. • Ensure that staff develop and maintain consistent, positive relationships with children, treating them with dignity and respect. • Apply a developmentally appropriate and positive approach to guiding children’s behavior, according to program policy. • Develop and implement a system to collect, analyze and record objective and complete observations on children. • Adapt curriculum to meet individual goals for children as identified in the Smart Teach Report Card form. • Ensure the successful inclusion of children with special needs and work with Education Specialists, Behavior Specialists, and Mental Health Specialists to identify and provide appropriate services for them. • Attend the IFSP staffing to assist in development and achievement of IFSP goals. • Responsible for initial screenings, medical protocol, mental health referrals, and daily health check. • Responsible for determination of child’s initial health status and developmental needs, completing and entering 45 and 90 day requirements into ChildPlus database. • Maintain confidentiality when working with children and families in all written and verbal communications and documentation. • Ensure child and family records are maintained in a manner that guarantees confidentiality and accurately reflects ongoing assessments, services and outcomes in the database system and/or paper files as required. • Develop and maintain respectful relationships with families; documenting regular contact. • Complete late season enrollment process with new families. • Plan and facilitate family orientation to the program, family engagement in Parent Site/Center meetings, parental participation in Policy Council and weekly family update meetings. • Conduct home visits, parent-teacher conferences and other parent-focused activities to establish a positive link between home and school. Support the parent as the primary educator of the child. • Assist families in developing their individual goals including regular follow-up to identify progress, barriers to progress, and/or services received. • Work closely with families to resolve barriers and conflicts that hinder self-sufficiency. • Provide a welcoming atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom. • Plan and coordinate day-to-day activities of parent volunteers, providing on the job training as needed. • Assist families to complete follow-up on dental, medical, physical, and mental health needs of the families. • Provide families information regarding classes, trainings or other education opportunities as requested/required by the Head Start Program.
