Operation Breakthrough’s mission is to help children living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment.  We also strive to support and empower the children’s families through education, advocacy, emergency aid and referral services.

 JOB SUMMARY

An Early Childhood Education Teacher instructs and supervises children in a full day, Early Head Start Classroom or a Head Start Classroom and participates in school related activities.

 QUALIFICATIONS

The Head Start Teacher position requires a minimum of an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree with thirty (30) hours of early education coursework.  Bachelor’s degree preferred in Early Childhood Education or related field with thirty (30) hours of early education coursework.  

 An Early Head Start Teacher or Head Start Teacher Assistant requires a minimum of a CDA or a degree with nine (9) hours of early education coursework. Applicants are required to provide transcripts and/or current CDA certificates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Complete or supervise completion of daily attendance, meal counts, lesson plans, classroom cleanliness checklists, etc.
• Implement activities and teaching methods to carry out the program according to the developmental level of the individual child.
• Implement the Early Head Start Curriculum in the classroom and follow Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
• Work with and train Co-Teachers in understanding objectives and education plans for each child using screening and observational information; provide on-the-job training for Co-Teachers.
• With professional staff, use Developmental Screening, anecdotal notes and portfolios to assist in developing lesson plans and individualized programming for each child.
• Discuss special needs of individual children with teaching staff supervisors, specialists and parents. Provide necessary documentation for referring children.
• Complete daily lesson plans incorporating individual, small group, and large group activities.
• Plan special event and field trips incorporating Assistant Teacher’s ideas and suggestions.
• Maintain a positive classroom environment that promotes learning.
• Communicate to Supervisor observed safety, physical, and licensing issues.
• Supervise mealtimes.
• Arrange and participate in Parent/Teacher Conferences as prescribed by Head Start and Early Head Start and Center policies and procedures; acquaint parents with program activities; developmentally appropriate practices; program objectives, determine and communicate needs of each child; interpret curriculum.
• Solicit parents’ assistance; explain and promote parent involvement through participation and activities.
• Compile an accurate classroom inventory, as prescribed by center and Head Start Staff guidelines, with assistance from the teaching staff.
• Develop, arrange, and participate in classroom staff meetings.
• Compile and submit all paperwork by the required deadlines; completing reports as specified.
• Maintain supplies as needed for classroom activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Dependability including arrives at work on time, uses approved lunch / break times appropriately, follow procedures in requesting and reporting leave time, document all times leaving and returning to the building.
• Good hygiene and personal appearance.
• Promote communication, warmth and respect among all staff and volunteers.
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to staff, children and families according to established guidelines.
• Model appropriate behavior, language and communication skills for children.
• Interact respectfully and professionally with others.
• Sensitivity to diverse learning styles, knowledge/skill levels and cultural orientation.
• Ability to bend, kneel and squat many times each day.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 45 pounds several times a day.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Indoor classroom and outdoor recess (weather permitting).

 This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of an employee.

 Operation Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Employment with Operation Breakthrough is “At Will”.