Teacher

POSITION TITLE: TEACHER

REPORTS TO: Site Manager

FSLA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt 

Hourly rate:  $18.20 

$1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS

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GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Operate in compliance with all policies and procedures established by NKCAC Head Start and the performance standards set by the Federal Government, as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and labor laws. Provide quality service delivery to children, families, and the community in our service area.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Work cooperatively with all program components to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
2. Maintain the confidentiality of staff, clients, and records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other relevant regulations.
3. Ensure a clean, safe, and organized work area, adhering to OSHA standards and agency safety policies.
4. Participate in the annual self-assessment and contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts.
5. Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities as required.
6. Follow mandated child abuse reporting requirements in compliance with state and federal laws.
7. Support the recruitment and training of parent and community volunteers.
8. Assist in securing in-kind donations to meet the required non-Federal share amount each program year.
9. Collaborate in curriculum development, classroom management, and teacher training programs, ensuring alignment with evidence-based practices.
10. Perform other work-related tasks as deemed necessary by the direct supervisor.
11. Plan and provide daily classroom activities to meet the social, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs of individual children, incorporating input from the assistant and ensuring equitable access to learning.
12. Arrange the classroom environment in consultation with the Early Childhood Development/Health Team and maintain cleanliness and orderliness. Ensure proper use and care of equipment and supplies, including ADA-compliant accommodations.
13. Supervise children at all times, maintaining a safe and inclusive environment both inside and outside the classroom.
14. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, assessments, and screenings for all enrollees in compliance with applicable data privacy regulations.
15. Prepare learning activities and materials during planning periods when children are not present. Submit plans and supply requisitions to the site supervisor.
16. Compile and maintain observations, documentation, and evaluations of each child’s growth and development for individualized planning.
17. Supervise Teacher Assistant; provide guidance in working with children and families and offer input during the Teacher Assistant’s evaluation.
18. Conduct a minimum of two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually, in coordination with management staff, to address children’s needs and progress.
19. Participate in staffing for individual children and weekly family service conferences.
20. Maintain a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and renew it as necessary. Actively participate in ongoing training and education provided by the program.
21. Collaborate in developing individualized education and/or special services plans for children with disabilities.
22. Assume additional responsibilities when necessary, and classroom coverage, ensuring ADA and safety compliance.
23. Facilitate activities and guidance for volunteers, encouraging active parent participation in program activities.
24. Ensure compliance with all program and grant requirements, including ADA and labor law standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in early childhood education; or a bachelor’s or advanced degree with coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood education, along with experience teaching preschool-aged children.
• Relevant experience with preschool children or a related background.
• Experience teaching young children in a Head Start classroom and/or similar environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Compliance with background check requirements: NKCAC-Head Start cannot employ anyone convicted of a felony or found by the Cabinet to have abused or neglected a child.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand, walk, and run after young children 100% of the time.
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds up to 50% of the time.
• Ability to sit at, read, and enter data on a computer for extended periods up to 75% of the time.

NKCAC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We strongly encourage individuals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, women, bilingual individuals, and current or former recipients of public assistance to apply for available positions. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with ADA requirements.

NKCAC IS A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE