Head Start/State Pre-k Teacher

Position Summary

The Preschool Teacher is responsible for supporting the mission of WHSCDA by carrying out assigned duties with professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to high-quality services. This position contributes to the overall success of the program through collaboration, adherence to regulations, and a shared responsibility for supervision and safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Include, but are not limited to:

• Carry out assigned responsibilities in alignment with organizational policies, procedures, and program goals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC Accreditation Standards, Rhode Island Department of Human Services (RI DHS) regulations, and other relevant state and federal requirements.
• Implement practices that promote health, safety, and well-being of children, families, and staff.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation as required by funding sources, licensing entities, and agency procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, families, and community partners.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities as required.
• Communicate concerns, incidents, and needs promptly through appropriate channels.
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts within the program.
• Ability to perform job duties that may include standing, sitting, bending, lifting (50 lbs.), and engaging with children.

Other Duties

• Responsible for supporting the professional development of assigned Assistant Teacher by
• Facilitating the development of professional competencies of the Assistant Teacher
• Completing an accurate yearly evaluation to asses Assistant Teacher’s skill level
• Assist Assistant Teacher in identifying professional development goals based on observations and evaluations of performance
• Attend meetings, professional development opportunities, and other trainings as appropriate. Must attend all professional development opportunities when it is mandated by funding sources, licensing or accreditation authorities
• Assist with breaks and other classroom needs as requested
• Other duties as assigned based on agency need.

WHSCDA Job Description

Specific Job Components

• Provide a successful, safe, and supervised educational setting for children while they are under agency care (classroom, hallways, outdoor play area, field trips).
• Promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children.
• Encourage family involvement in all aspects of the program.
• Develop individual goals for children as well as providing on-going assessments regarding progress.
• Curriculum and Assessment
• Develop and utilize integrated curriculum plans, which reflect mandated elements (RI Department of Education, RI Department of Children, Youth and Families, National Academy of Early Childhood Programs licensing and accreditation standards and regulation, Rhode Island Early Learning Standards and Head Start Performance Standards)
• Adapt curriculum to address and meet individual goals for children as identified in their Individualized Education Plans (IEP’S) for children ages 3 and up or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP’s) for children under 3 years of age
• Assess individual and group needs, attending to special needs, specific interest, strengths and concern by reviewing outcomes and observations on a regular basis.
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization and choice making: Develop positive relationships with all children by asking open-ended questions, listening respectfully, and providing positive acknowledgment.
• Establish weekly goals and plans which will be documented in a classroom planning book. These plan books will be used as part of ongoing monitoring by Teacher’s supervisor monthly.
• Prepare classroom materials to support developmentally appropriate curriculum plans: create and change learning centers as needed

Prevention and Early Intervention/Disabilities Services

• Ensure that assigned classroom is in compliance with the above listed departments and agency licenses.
• Supervise and monitor children at all times.
• Participate in regularly scheduled staff meeting to plan for and deliver collaborative services across components.
• Respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur
• Collaborate with special education providers that work with children in their classrooms to ensure an approach that is cohesive and meeting the child’s needs. Attend IEP meetings or IFSP meetings for children enrolled in classroom

Family Involvement and Community Partnerships

• Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces family involvement in the classroom by welcoming families and developing relationships through regular contact and home visits.
• Conduct the required family/teacher conferences and home visits for the purpose of assessment and support, and to share information on classroom progress and educational strategies at school at and at home.
• Communicate more often with families when a concern or issue is present, using data (observations, assessments, anecdotal) to share information and develop a plan to address the issue or concern.
• Communicate and acknowledge families regularly at drop off and pick up times.
• Help plan and conduct monthly Family Engagement Events with building staff or agency staff when appropriate.
• Work with appropriate agencies in developing specialize planning for children and families as needed.

WHSCDA Job Description

Utilize Data collections systems to support child/family and agency outcomes

• Document all required ongoing assessments and screenings including ESI-R, Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold and Education files or hard copy as well as in agency database Child Plus when appropriate. Review data in data base regularly to ensure information is accurate and up to date.
• Document all significant classroom issues, family contacts, and home visits in education file.
• For Head Start Teachers, meet at predetermined intervals with home visitors to review families and child’s progress as well as monitor goal planning

Supervision and Safety

• Supervision is everyone’s responsibility. All staff are expected to actively supervise children at all times, anticipate and prevent hazards, and take immediate action to ensure safety.
• Report safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, and policy violations in accordance with agency procedures.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and cultural responsiveness.
• Follow the organization’s Code of Conduct and ethical standards.
• Represent the organization positively in all interactions.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• RIDE ECE certification RIELDS Preschool Classrooms: The Instructional Cycle preferred.
• 1 to 2 years’ experience in a child development center
• Must be First Aid and CPR certified
• Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle
• Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development and/or program area as applicable.
• Ability to understand and follow regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

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Pay: From $25.76 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person