01.04.06 - Teacher Job Description

Teacher Job Description Policy Number and Last Update
(01.04.06/05-2016)

Title:  Teacher

Responsible To:  Hired by the Head Start Director and Education Coordinator; reports to and is supervised by the Education Coordinator.

Supervises:  None

FLSA: Non-exempt

General Summary

Under the direction of the Education Coordinator, the Teacher develops and implements individual educational plans for children, which help them to develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. The Teacher works collaboratively with the Teacher Assistant and volunteers.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Preschool Teachers

  1. Degree in early childhood education or child development (Bachelor's preferred); or
  2. A baccalaureate or advanced degree in education with an Illinois Pre-K certification.

Infant/Toddler Teachers

  1. Degree in early childhood education or child development; or
  2. An Infant/Toddler CDA or Illinois Gateways Infant/Toddler credential.

All Teachers

  1. Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, and bilingual education;
  2. Preferred Spanish-speaking, experience with migrant farm workers;
  3. Proof of a physical examination within the last six months, which includes a tuberculosis test, and comply with other background checks as required by the Agency and/or DCFS licensing;
  4. Personal qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers, emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities; and
  5. Have education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their children.

Essential Functions:

  1. Participate in grantee and delegate component pre-service training;
  2. Implement IMSHS curricula in the classroom;
  3. Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans; and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices;
  4. Plan and implement learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy and phonemic, print, numeric awareness, and language-including English as a second language if applicable;
  5. Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom;
  6. Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children;
  7. Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and developmental assessment completed as per IMSHS procedure;
  8. Conduct a home visit and at least one parent conference to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations;
  9. Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices;
  10. Meet bi-weekly with director and coordinators to exchange information pertinent to the identification and services of children with disabilities;
  11. Meet with mental health consultant monthly to discuss mental health needs of children;
  12. Guide children's acquisition of social skills, and those marked by the Head Start Standards;
  13. Attend staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested;
  14. Works with the Teacher Assistant and volunteers to use and develop their skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities;
  15. Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored;
  16. Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe;
  17. Assist in conducting the daily health and environment check list;
  18. Assist in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or I.F.S.P. (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood;
  19. Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed;
  20. Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, portfolio forms, assessment, time sheets, meal reports etc.;
  21. Actively assists in transition activities;
  22. Distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor;
  23. Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Teacher Professional Development Plan;
  24. Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained; and
  25. Perform other duties, as may be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

Additional Requirements:

  1. Successful experience working in a team setting;
  2. Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with a Teacher Assistant, assisting her/him in increasing professional knowledge and skills;
  3. Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community;
  4. Ability to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities;
  5. Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if need;
  6. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder;
  7. Must be able to lift 55 pounds;
  8. Must be able to travel;
  9. Must be able enter and exit a vehicle without assistance, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions; and
  10. Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients.

Working Conditions:

  1. Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues;
  2. Possible exposure to communicable diseases;
  3. Job requires standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, and running;
  4. A moderate amount of driving is required.