Head Start Classroom Instructor (Columbus Park)

The HS Classroom Instructor effectively plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily activities that support children’s health, social-emotional development, and school-readiness. This involves the facilitation of a team-teaching approach and the ability to engage families in their child’s education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

- Leads the teaching team through a collaborative process to develop and implement weekly lesson plans utilizing the approved curriculum, assessment and daily classroom routine. Reviews lesson plans daily with the team during planning time and posts for visibility. Engages in individualized planning based upon cognitive and language needs, as well as children’s interests.

- Completes the DRDP (Desired Results Development Profile) three times per year on each child by collecting observations and data that align with the DESE Early Childhood Learning Outcomes and Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. Develops a strategy and team approach to ensure that the data collected is ongoing, objective and consistent. This requires the use of an iPad and other technology methods.

- Promotes and supports children’s social, emotional and physical development consistent with the philosophy of Head Start, Trauma Smart, and Conscious Discipline classroom management techniques. Establishes and maintains respectful and responsive interactions, even when challenging behaviors are present. Supports the development of adaptive skills and completes necessary referrals to the Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator as appropriate.

- Creates a classroom environment that aligns with CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System). This includes creating a positive climate, engaging in meaningful interactions, and promoting language and critical thinking skills.

- Establishes a learning environment that values diversity and provides a variety of multi-cultural experiences. Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for each child’s background by incorporating the cultural and family backgrounds in the curriculum.

- Maintains a safe and healthy classroom environment as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards. This includes the effective supervision of children, utilizing C.A.S.E. when transitioning children from one location to another and maintaining the required classroom ratio. Monitors the arrival and departure of children and records attendance accurately and consistently. Communicates with teaching team regarding roles and responsibilities of the daily routine.

- Displays and presents children’s work throughout the classroom for parents to view. Documents the process children engaged in and connects to learning outcomes.

- Completes assigned trainings (minimum 15 hours annually), participates in professional learning communities, completes paperwork and reporting requirements, and meets deadlines set forth by leadership and MARC.

- Leads and models professionalism and teamwork within the teaching team, family advocates and Head Start content leads and management.

- Actively recruits families and community patrons for volunteer participation. Develops and maintains supportive and professional relationships with families to enhance parent education, communication, involvement and advocacy. Provides educational guidance to families through two (2) home visits and two (2) conferences per year.

- Orders appropriate materials, supplies and equipment as needed. Maintains the inventory record as required.

- Treats children, families and colleagues with professionalism and supports a positive work environment that aligns with the philosophy of KCPS Head Start, Trauma Smart and Conscious Discipline.

- Follows district guidelines for reporting incidents of suspected abuse, neglect or contagious disease.

- Utilizes relevant district and Head Start software and technology effectively in the performance of duties. Completes paperwork according to assigned timelines and follows code of conduct and confidentiality policies.

Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- Degree in Early Childhood Education (Bachelor or Associate) or degree in related field with thirty (30) hours that qualify as early childhood

- Experience working with young children and families

- Successful completion of required background check and submission of an initial physical and TB screening

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education

- Three (3) years successful experience working with Pre-K children and their families

- Experience working in culturally diverse communities

- Experience working with Head Start programs

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, lift objects/children of at least forty pounds; use stairs; move quickly from one space to another; spend extended time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions; visual ability requires mono and color vision.