This is work at the supervisory level in the instruction and guidance of children in ACE’s Early Learning Program. Work involves responsibility for the day to day planning and operation of a preschool classroom including supervision of the Teacher Assistant/Aide and oversight of the Cook and Bus Monitor in the performance of classroom duties . The Teacher provides a safe and healthy learning environment; develops and implements classroom curriculum to provide learning opportunities to meet individual child goals; performs ongoing assessment on child progress; and facilitates the transition to kindergarten. 

This position encourages parent involvement in all aspects of the program; schedules educational home visits and parent teacher conferences; and works in partnership with parents to promote their child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. This position requires general knowledge and ability to work with individuals or groups of diverse cultures, varying abilities and linguistic preferences to perform duties as assigned.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a strong working knowledge of Head Start philosophy, federal Performance Standards, and child care center regulations

• Supervises/mentors the Teacher Assistant /Aide assigned to the classroom. Works with them to develop Professional Development Plans and evaluates their performance.  Provides information, support, and resources to build skills and improve child outcomes 

• Conducts and documents  “Emergency Plan” training for the classroom team annually

• Implements the Creative Curriculum which reflects Head Start Performance Standards, parental and cultural influences, and promotes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of preschool children.

• Develops and implements classroom curriculum to provide developmentally and culturally and linguistically appropriate opportunities to meet individual child goals

• Creates weekly lesson plans and schedules addressing individual goals for children ensuring for a  safe and healthy learning environment  

• Follows a consistent schedule that provides for choice, small and large group experiences, music and movement, large and small motor activities, opportunities for skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities

•  Assesses children, documents behavior and evaluates results.

•  Conducts two home visits per school year. Works with parents to set educational goals for their child and strengthen their role as the child’s first and most important teacher.  Discusses child progress/challenges with parents on a periodic basis and recommends appropriate action.

•  Consistently maintains and promotes open and honest relationships with  the classroom team, parents, community members and other ACE staff members.  Respects  the capabilities and cultural differences of others

• Working with the classroom team,serves children meals in accordance with food service guidelines. Maintains a developmentally appropriate classroom environment, including organization of space and material storage.

• With supervisor’s guidance, supervises leadership and direction to teaching assistants, aides, practicum students and volunteers, providing leadership and direction.

• Enters and tracks data in the COPA data management system. Maintains complete and accurate required child files, forms and records within required timelines. Prepares comprehensive reports as requested.

• Works with supervisor to set goals for professional development. Participates in training, self-assessment and classroom/staff meetings as required

• Maintains strict confidentiality of the programs children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Functions as a mandated reporter reporting any allegations of alleged child abuse/neglect to appropriate Child Welfare Agency

• Works with the ERSEA Coordinator to develop & implement recruitment strategies. Actively recruits for all program options on an ongoing basis

• Participants in staff meetings to discuss methods of program operation, evaluation and improvement in  areas such as lesson plans, child guidance and parental involvement.

• Facilitates transfers from the Early Learning Program to the school district in collaboration with kindergarten teachers

• Works to understand the children’s special needs and accepts individual differences . Actively participates in planning with Special Services and management staff and community professionals to meet those needs.

• Engages in the active supervision of children at all times. Keeps children safe by creating and maintaining a Culture of Safety that engages people in identifying safety concerns and working with others to improve strategies used in homes and in centers

•  Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, abilities and family structure of all children, families and staff members  

• Maintains a developmentally appropriate and culturally & linguistically responsive classroom environment

• Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.

• Participates actively in opportunities for continuous professional development

• Performs related work as required.