Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the day-to-day operation of a Head Start classroom in support of meeting the educational needs of program-eligible pre-school children. Requires a thorough understanding of all Head Start (ACF) Policies, performance standards, CAA procedures, and the ability to implement and follow them.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as a Head Start Classroom Teacher modeling good teaching techniques and demonstrating new approaches.
• Establishes and maintains an acceptable classroom environment to satisfactorily meet the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of each individual child.
• Guides classroom activities by choosing and designing appropriate materials, answering questions, guiding discussions, and using guidance techniques that build independence.
• Works jointly with Teacher Assistant in completing housekeeping tasks such as attendance records, meal census, lunch and snack routines, bathroom and tooth-brushing routines, and large and small group activities in the classroom.
• Is proficient in the administering and follow-through of all required screenings and assessments, to include the LAP-D.
• Maintains written records of on-going assessments of each child’s growth and development which serves as the basis for individualized plans inclement to Head Start component areas.
• Participates with other staff members in the accomplishment of on-going center activities such as recruitment, volunteer orientation, placement, planning special events, and substituting in other classrooms as needed.
• Maintains and follows daily classroom schedule.
• Works jointly with the Family Advocate in the health, nutrition, and social service needs of each family. Makes appropriate written referrals and ensures necessary follow-up.
• Utilizes data contained in medical, family, and child’s records to develop plans emphasizing the parent are the prime educator of their child.
• Organizes parent/teacher team approach to plan activities to meet the child’s needs. Conducts home visits/center conferences. Implements parent/teacher conferences, parent meeting, phone calls, etc. Records all contacts on contact record maintained in the family folder, coordinating with Family Advocate.
• Provides leadership and direction for the Teacher Assistant and classroom volunteers.
• Utilizes training opportunities to strengthen teaching abilities and job performance.
• This position requires frequent travel to offsite locations. 
• Follow and maintain Childcare Licensing requirements. 
• Follow and maintain QRIS 5 Star criteria. A minimum of 30 hours must be obtained. 
• Performs other Head Start duties as required to accomplish the Head Start mission.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a licensed childcare facility with children ages from one to twelve years of age, most of the children are between the ages of three and five. Activities are performed in all areas of the building including the classroom, restrooms, cafeteria (if separate from the classroom) and on the playground. Activities are not limited to the center but will include field trips to child-oriented activities. Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such as lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or positioning body as to be on child’s level and floor level. Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and able to run or walk hurriedly for a child’s safety.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. 
• Must be computer literate.
• Possess no physical limitations to preclude performance of duties.
• Demonstrate ability to assume responsibility for an Early Childhood classroom and related duties.
• Must meet all applicable requirements established by state and funding sources to include finger printing.
• Have transportation available and a valid Oklahoma State driver’s license.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures.
• Willing to attend training and/or further schooling.
• Meet required Work Environment standards.
• OPDR member with a OPDL of 4 or higher. Annually maintain at least 2 college credits or 20 PD hours per PDL certification. 
• When counted as a Master Teacher for center master teacher ratio: Completes steps on OPDR to be counted as Master Teacher.
• Prior to, or within 90- calendar days of employment, teaching personnel complete an approved entry-level training listed on the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR) website, such as ELCCT. However, this training is not required when previously received, unless the individual has not been employed at a licensed program within the last five years.
• Complete training in Early Learning Guidelines. 
• Complete one full set of Pyramid Model modules: Birth to five, Preschool or Infant/Toddler when applicable.
• CPR certified annually or within 90 days of employment. 
• Prior to caring for infants, personnel obtain formal professional development in safe sleep practices.
• DESIRED
• Two (2) years full-time employment in an Early Childhood classroom. 

The Community Action Agency of OKC/Oklahoma County was established in 1966, and initially was financed by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which launched the nation’s “War on Poverty.” Eventually the funding was consolidated into the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The Community Services division was implemented early on, serving low-income residents of Oklahoma County. Early programs included implementing the Food Stamp program and offering a nutrition program for seniors at meal centers.Today the division has greatly expanded to offer legal assistance; tax assistance; summer youth programs; senior transportation to meal sites, medical appointments, and shopping; rent and mortgage assistance; and other community needs.HEAD STARTThe Agency’s first Head Start center opened its doors to 39 families in 1965. Within two years, nine new centers and 575 children entered Head Start in Oklahoma County. Today we have 26 Head Start classrooms in 15 public schools, and 98 Head Start classrooms total providing services to thousands of children in Oklahoma County.

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