Position Summary: In support of the Agency’s mission, the Teacher is responsible for managing and monitoring a Head Start classroom and developing strong nurturing relationships with young children aged 3 to 5 years, including planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate learning environment that includes meaningful experiences that prepares children for success in school environments. In addition, t he Teacher promotes a high level of family engagement in their child’s learning and encourages them to advocate for the needs of their child(ren); in collaboration with the Family Support Teacher provides high quality services and support to families. Responsibilities also include knowledge of and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Agency/Head Start Policies and Procedures, Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care regulations, and Spark/QRIS standards. The Teacher is responsible for understanding and implementing the appropriate policies and procedures and performance standards as prescribed by the Office of Head Start and the Community Action Head Start Program. The Teacher may be responsible for the direct supervision of assigned teaching staff. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: • Work with classroom staff to create a learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging, community, purpose, and agency. The community creates caring relationships that value each member, interacting with and among children and families. • Use Creative Curriculum to create an environment conducive to learning, reflective of the different stages of child development, responsive to cultural backgrounds, and inviting to children and families. Develop and implement weekly lesson plans; collecting and recording objective child observations; support with the planning and implementation of the curriculum and individualized education services to the children in the class. • Ensure the successful inclusion of all, including children with mental health and/or special needs; work with Early Childhood Special Education staff and partners to identify and provide appropriate services. • Conduct home visits, parent-teacher conferences and other parent-focused activities to establish a positive link between home and school for families of assigned children and supports the parent(s) as the primary educator of the child. • Maintain regular communication with families. • Collaborate with classroom staff to ensure children and families receive comprehensive services from all components within our program. • In collaboration with all classroom staff, engage in active supervision of the children in accordance with the Active Supervision Policy and Procedure; ensure the required adult-child ratio is always maintained and strictly adhere to all Policies and Procedures, responding to and/or correcting any at-risk safety issues immediately. • Welcome families, support and facilitate parent engagement opportunities to support parents/guardians’ engagement in the program. • Assist children with toilet learning, including helping children with cleaning and changing when necessary. • Support staff in meal service delivery in accordance with Food Services Policies and Procedures and Child Care Division Licensing Rules. Collaborating with the Family Support Teacher o Develop working knowledge of the Head Start Parent, Family, Community Engagement Framework (PFCE) and the 7 family outcomes: family well-being, positive parent-child relationships, families as lifelong educators and learners, family engagement and connections, and family leadership. o Develop and maintain a detailed working knowledge of Community Action Head Start Policies and Procedures and Head Start Performance Standards including and not limited to Family Services, Parent Engagement and Policy Council. o Develop working knowledge of Relationship-Based Competencies (RBCs) for family services professionals in the knowledge, skills, and practices needed to support and promote family engagement. o Develop a working knowledge of all Policies and Procedures related to Family Services to support the Family Support Teacher in the delivery of high quality family services. o In collaboration with the Family Support Teacher, provide relationship-based support to assist families in skill development to achieve their family goals including regular follow-up to identify progress, barriers to progress. Marginal Functions and Responsibilities: • Generate reports and analyze data as needed to ensure compliance with program requirements or to ensure continuous quality improvement. • Work occasional evenings. • Bilingual staff may be required to provide interpretation or translation services on occasion. • Other duties as assigned to meet program and/or business needs.
