Teacher: Head Start (52 wk)

Department: Head Start and Children's Services

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Mattapan

Compensation: $29.48 - $35.20 / hour

Description

Essential Duties

• Provide pre-school children with a joyful, nurturing, safe, healthy individualized environment and the varied experiences which help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development in relationship to the overall goal of social competency.
• Provide a balance between child-initiated and teacher-led activities. 
• Provide a balance between quiet and active learning activities.
• Help children gain independence and autonomy in eating, toileting, dressing and hygiene through age appropriate and manageable tasks for children to practice and achieve competence.
• Provide technical assistance and supervision to Teacher Assistants and classroom volunteers to facilitate the implementation of developmentally appropriate learning activities.
• Ensure the integration of the educational aspects of the various Head Start components by developing opportunities and activities for children to learn about health, safety, nutrition, dental health, and families.
• Develop activities and strategies to engage parents in the educational aspect of the program in order to improve their understanding of child development and facilitate their role as the principal influence in their child's education and development.

• Ensure individualized and quality educational programming by participating in:
• The screening and educational assessment of children.
• The use of diagnostic evaluations to develop long- and short-term goals for each child.
• The development and implementation of developmentally-appropriate lesson plans and individualized activities.
• The development and implementation of written Individual Education Plans (IEP's) for children with special needs.
• Daily observations of children.
• Record keeping activities (e.g., keeping records of daily observations of children and of communication with parents).
  •  Team meetings.
  • A minimum of two home visits per family per year.
  • A minimum of three Parent/Teacher conferences per year.
  • Periodic field trips.
• Serve as a mentor for teacher assistants enrolled in professional training.

• Attend meetings as necessary.
• Maintain the EEC requirements including staff to child ratios, classroom supervision, etc.
• Perform any other related duties or responsibilities contained in this job description, otherwise assigned or as required by state or federal laws.
• Report to the Program Director for all matters relating to terms of employment and center operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time. 

Job Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Possess necessary computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Ability to use other database systems as required for data collection.
• Behave in a professional manner.
• Exhibit good interpersonal skills; works cooperatively as a member of a teaching team, with other program staff and parents.
• Possess bilingual ability where appropriate.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of and sensitivity to the educational and socioeconomic needs of the children and families served in Head Start.
• Possess the ability to work with a culturally diverse low-income population.

• Promotes the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children's Services. Builds an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.
• Engages in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills. 
• Maintains professional boundaries in relationships with staff and families. 
• Maintains confidentiality of child and family information at all times.

• Lift and move pre-school age children.
• Remain alert during naptime supervision.
• Supervise and monitor children both by sight and sound at all times.
• Respond to children in the case of an emergency in order to ensure safety, such as the capability to react quickly and chase after a child if he or she runs toward danger or tries to leave the classroom.
• Attend to the needs of children with disabilities, including physically challenged children.
• Lift and move equipment and furniture as necessary to facilitate the execution of classroom activities.

Benefits

• Make a Difference: Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.
• Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.
• Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.
• Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.
• A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.
• Teamwork & Camaraderie: Be a part of a passionate team, united in their mission to combat poverty, and ensure every individual can reach their fullest potential.