Teacher

JOB SUMMARY (Head Start Niagara County)

This position works collaboratively with other teachers, family members, and staff to create a safe and stimulating learning environment for young children. Directs classroom activities. Performs educational and non-educational functions which contribute to the development of children. Works directly with the children and parents and serves as a guide for other staff members.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Primary Responsibilities:

• Supervise and monitor children at all times.
• Establish a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• Greet children and parents upon arrival and escorts children to and from the bus.
• Works closely with the education team in developing and implementing daily and overall instructional plan.
• Works with team members regarding any concerns of children and families who have specific needs.
• Conducts parent conferences for all children.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate records, reports, and data for the program.
• Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities and program events.
• Knowledgeable of any new educational research to improve the quality of care for children.
• Guides and directs teachers, volunteers, and parents in the program.
• Models a positive work ethic for parents and staff
• Involved in mealtime with the children, assist with the serving of meals, nutrition supplements, and clean up.
• Perform related work as required by the agency in providing services to children and families.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Satisfactory completion of mandatory trainings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education
• Two (2) years of teaching experience

OR

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education
Three (3) years of teaching experience working with preschool age children

Skills and Abilities:

• Must have access to transportation and ability to visit sites throughout Erie County.
• Passion for working with children to create a positive learning environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential.
• Must be flexible and able to adjust to changing circumstances.
• Use positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to manage classroom behavior.
• Provide emotional support and foster a positive, supportive environment.
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Communicate with parents, build partnerships and involve families in the child’s learning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Demands:

• Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Perform moderate to vigorous activity with children.
• Must be able to tolerate moderate to loud noise.
• Prolonged standing and sitting
• Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, and sit on the floor
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds

Application Requirements:

• Completion of the following documents:
  • CAO Employment application
  • NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance
  • Criminal Record Certification and free of criminal convictions of crimes against children (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Fingerprinting required.
  • Release for Reference Checks
• Must pass a physical examination by a CAO physician at no cost to applicant

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.