Primary Purpose:

To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.), Day Care Minimum Standards, and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start services. To provide children with a learning environment and varied developmentally appropriate experiences which will help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development toward the overall goal of social competence.

Qualifications:

             Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Texas Teaching Certification required
• Current certification in Early Childhood or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential required 

             Special Knowledge/Skills/Experience/Physical Demands:

• Experience working with young children required
• Loving, nurturing disposition toward young children required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Valid Texas Driver’s License or other reliable mode of transportation during work hours required
• Proof of current automobile liability insurance required
• Clear background history checks at the local, state, and federal levels required (Background checks are conducted by the ESC at no cost to the applicant.)
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and uphold the high standards of the Head Start quality of care according to the Head Start Performance Standards
• Moderate technology skills required
• Willing to uphold the Head Start Standards of Conduct required
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, possess the ability to work as a team player, enjoy a variety of activities, and possess organizational abilities
• Must be physically able to participate in moderate to high levels of physical activity, such as, but not limited to, standing for moderate to lengthy periods of time, lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs.), climbing, stooping, bending, and reaching
• Must be able to tolerate contact with cleaning and sanitizing products

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Acts as instructional leader in the classroom.
2. Prepares and maintains a developmentally appropriate learning environment.
3. Meets the standard set by the Appropriate Teaching Behaviors found in the Region 16 Head Start Policies and Procedures.
4. Adheres to the Head Start Standards of Conduct.
5. Responsible for daily schedule, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record keeping.
6. Cooperates with assistant regarding schedules, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record keeping.
7. Attends 24 hours of professional development annually.
8. Completes documentation, records, and forms as required.
9. Plans with assistant at least one small group activity each day.
10. Models correct speech patterns, vocabulary, behavior, and skills for children.
11. Uses appropriate and positive methods of child guidance.
12. Extends learning to meet the individual needs of individual children.
13. Demonstrates respect and accepts differences for each child and their family.
14. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding children and their families.
15. Interacts with children during all indoor and outdoor activities.
16. Provides opportunities for each child to experience success and reinforces all efforts.
17. Eats one meal daily with children (sharing the same menu) and assists children with clean-up.
18. Supervises children at all times.
19. Attends monthly parent meetings as required by supervisor.
20. Provides emergency medical care for the children as needed.
21. Obtains and maintains first aid and CPR certifications.
22. Assists children, as needed, with diapering and toilet training using approved Head Start procedures.
23. Makes home visits, with another staff member, as required by Head Start Performance Standards.
24. Assists with recruitment and application efforts as needed.
25. Assists Head Start families or refers them to social services personnel or agencies for services.
26. Monitors the approved persons to pick up children.
27. Helps recruit parent volunteers and provides parents opportunities to share their skills.
28. Maintains a parent bulletin board for dissemination of information to parents. 

Professional Responsibilities

29. Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success, and family well-being.
30. Cooperates with supervisor concerning working hours and center policies.
31. Cooperates with ESC staff concerning reports, policies, guidelines, etc. for Head Start.
32. Completes early childhood certification if appropriate.
33. Maintains current licenses and certifications, including early childhood or Child Development Associates (CDA) certification.
34. Attends all required Head Start staff development and in-service meetings.
35. Supports program policies, accepting changes, and new ideas.
36. Complies with ESC personnel policies regarding absences and tardiness.
37. Accepts responsibility for accurately completing and submitting all forms and reports by their due date.
38. Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services.
39. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
40. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
41. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
42. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
43. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
44. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
45. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
46. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
47. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Annual Number of Work Days: 190