Teacher

Description

Job Title: Teacher

Department: HeadStart

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours/Weeks: Part Year, Full Time

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): Yes

Level: 4

Hiring Range: - $18.62 - $21.70, Licensed: $26.73 - $35.21

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

SUMMARY:

Teachers create and maintain a respectful classroom culture that fosters safe and productive learning. In partnership with families, teaching staff, and program supports Teachers develop and implement developmentally appropriate, child initiated, culturally integrated curriculum for children ages 3 – 5 in a classroom environment. They foster an environment that is centered around social emotional learning and school readiness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, and NEKCA Standard of conduct.

Complete NEKCA Performance Evaluations, Professional Development Self-Assessment, and in partnership with supervisor, Individualized

Professional Development Plan

Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program Child Protection Protocol •Participate in center staff meetings, monthly content area meetings, pre-service, and in-services and incorporate relevant knowledge and skills into practice

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES:

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

N/A, this position does not supervise any staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Create and maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment by implementing appropriate effective behavior management strategies •Teachers join children in all settings, observing and engaging them in conversations at eye level to extend and deepen children’s learning

Attend to the personal care needs of all children in the center

Maintain accurate, up-to-date files on assigned children

Participate in completion of HS/EHS Application as requested

Participate in planning and implementation of registration activities

Participate in obtaining heights and weights and sensory screenings for children enrolled

Complete developmental screening within 45 days of child entering the program and incorporate information into weekly planning, classroom set up, and home visits

Complete Family Mealtime Patterns within 45 days of child entering the program. Update in the spring during 2nd home visit

Develop and implement classroom curriculum through age-appropriate activities that include organized learning areas allowing a variety of choices each day based on child and family’s needs, interests, culture, home language, and assessment information

Solicit and incorporate parent/guardian input into the curriculum

Provide individualized activities for a minimum of three focus children a week

Complete observations to support each objective and dimension of Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment Systems 3 times per year

Complete Family Conference form in fall and spring and update at second Parent/Guardian Teacher Conference

Offer two Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences and two home visits per year

Review and discuss behavioral and play-based screenings with parent/guardian

Review Child Health Summaries with parents/guardians by the end of the Program Year

Staff will document all child development, health, and disability delivery of services and follow-up

Encourage and document parent/guardian partnership in their child’s learning experience and their family’s Head Start experience

Offer and document ongoing communication efforts with parents/guardians

Participate in the development and implementation of Individual Health Plans as requested

In partnership with parents/guardians, Center Manager, and CAMs, initiate and document referral process to appropriate agencies/providers based on developmental concerns

In partnership with families and appropriate community agencies/providers, participate in and ensure documentation of team meetings, evaluation processes, and development of individualized plans

Assist in implementing Individual Education Plans for children with special needs

Promote regular attendance and document reasons for absences in child’s file

Actively participate in program and family/child staffings

Per program staffing protocol, consult with appropriate Content Area Managers and Consultants, document, and complete follow up

Ensure that Creative Curriculum’s “Letters to Parents” are included in the newsletter

Analyze and discuss child outcomes data at center level and develop an action plan two (part day/part year) or three (full day/full year) times per year

Participate in the planning, implementation, and recording of child observations of EHS playgroups (if applicable)

Participate in the development and implementation of Center Recruitment Plan

In partnership with center team, participate in collecting and documenting non-federal share

Participate in a minimum of one early childhood community event a year as requested by supervisor

Ensure that equipment, toys, and furniture are stored in a safe and orderly fashion and sanitized per child care licensing regulations

Attend and participate in staff, agency, and service provider meetings deemed necessary for job performance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in a classroom environment controlled temperature conditions. This position may include time outside during calm moderate weather. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. The work involves sitting and standing for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require bending and lifting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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The responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the role and its expectations. While this description is comprehensive, it should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and tasks that may be required of the employee. The organization reserves the right to assign other tasks or responsibilities as needed, and this role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changes in the organization's goals and priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for success in this dynamic work environment.

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.

Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

Minimum of Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with coursework in Early Childhood Education required

2 years relevant experience

Core Competencies:

Work effectively as a team member

Sufficient transportation to meet job requirements

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within six months of employment

Effective written and oral communication skills

Maintain confidentiality

Commitment to be actively engaged in a continuing process of professional development

Core Values:

Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values

Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth