Head Start Associate Teacher

PURPOSE STATEMENT

This position provides instruction and supervision in a high-quality early learning environment for children in a Head Start classroom. The Head Start Teacher plans and implements an individualized, developmentally appropriate educational program, working in partnership with parents to promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of young children.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establish and maintain a positive children-oriented, developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Develop and implement classroom curriculum to provide individualized learning opportunities which reflect mandated elements and components, including parental and cultural influences.
• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
• Support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children.
• Encourage the involvement of the families of the children in the Head Start program and supporting the development of relationships between children and their families.
• Responsible for education and health requirements of children in assigned classroom, including all required screenings.
• Provide ongoing assessment on progress of students, document behavior and evaluate results.
• Conduct and record child observations to utilize in setting goals, individualizing and creating assessments.
• Develop and document individual child goals, weekly/monthly lesson plans, and maintain program records and submit information in a timely manner.
• Effectively use the ChildPlus and Teaching Strategies Gold databases to enter or obtain information.
• Create educational goals for each child in collaboration with the parents. Assist parents as primary teachers of their own children.
• Support parents as children transition to and from the program through a variety of transition activities.
• With supervisor’s guidance, may provide leadership and direction to Teaching Assistants, practicum students, parents, and may provide leadership in a co-teaching system.
• In consultation with supervisor, develop professional goals and training plans.
• Participate in required staffing/monitoring team meetings as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment concerning confidential information.
• Promote positive public relations when communicating with the public. Consistently address clients, community members and co-workers in a courteous, pleasant and respectful manner.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams.
• Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the program administrator.

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Required to manage a wide range of student, staff and public behaviors and needs in a positive and service oriented manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to manage physically active children ages 3-5, within weight range of up to 50 pounds, to include restraining, guiding, pursuing, and withstanding sudden movement. Ability to bend, stoop, lift and move frequently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in child development or early childhood education, or equivalent coursework, or any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Experience working with low income families preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
• Advocate for equity, inclusion and professional practices that ensure all students achieve at high levels.
• Knowledge of SEL practices and approaches.
• Possess and demonstrate strong working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and other regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to direct the activities of others.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Computer skills using a variety of programs.
• Possess the desire to be a role model for students and to interact positively with students.
• Understanding of early childhood development.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• College transcripts must be provided at the time of application or prior to job offer to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Regular attendance and punctuality required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, food handler’s certification, First Aid and CPR certification, TB/Tuberculin assessment, and health verification.
• Employment subject to approval by Head Start Policy Council.
• Requires fingerprinting and background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor.
• Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Head Start Associate Teacher on the PSE Classified Salary Schedule A
• 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, 193 days per school year; PSE Salary Schedule, Retirement, SEBB Benefits, 9 Holidays, Paid Sick Leave; district may revise assignment and job location as needed.

CONDITIONS

The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

The Walla Walla School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Walla Walla School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact (509) 527-3000. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

Title IX Coordinator

Dr. Mindy Meyer, Director of HR

364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Barb Casey, Director of Special Education

364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000