Teacher III

LOCATION: Central Florida Area

DEPARTMENT:   HEAD START /EARLY HEAD START

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Child care work as a lead caregiver.  Works with young children and families to develop their cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Manages classroom activities while ensuring compliance with child outcomes, State of Florida Early Childhood standards, Head Start Performance Standards, and the goals and objectives of the current Head Start curriculum. 
• Develops lesson plans in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and early childhood curriculum. 
• Assists the Teacher Assistant in developing lesson plans.
• Maintains classroom records, progress reports, accident reports and other necessary documentation. 
• Conducts developmental screenings and assessments to meet the individual needs of children. 
• Working in conjunction with assistant, assists with developing instructional materials and teaching aids. 
•  Models physical activities to children. 
• Encourages parent involvement in the Head Start program both in the classroom and in the home.
• Works with Teacher Assistant to conduct home visits, family conferences, and may participate in parent meetings. 
• Organizes and trains classroom volunteers. 
• Submits referrals to Site Supervisor regarding concerns for individual children. 
• Assists in the development and implementation of recommendations.
• Attends all pre-service and in-service training programs and other mandatory trainings. 
• Assists with the orientation of new teaching staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, or in a field related to Early Childhood Education or in any field with 18 college credit hours in ECE.  Plus, one (1) year experience teaching preschool children. Successful completion of a standardized early childhood and development skills and knowledge based assessment is also required. Completion of the State Mandated 40-hour training for child care preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of early childhood growth and development and age-appropriate activities. 
• Knowledge of the practices, procedures and regulations in child care. 
• Ability to gain knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Head Start Policies and Procedures. 
• Ability to gain knowledge of developmental screenings and assessments. 
• Ability to receive and follow detailed instructions. 
• Ability to operate a personal computer.  
• Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications, including Microsoft Word. 
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, parents and community representatives. 
•  Ability to maintain composure, keep emotions in check and control anger, even in difficult situations. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
•  Ability to work and communicate with people from various multi-cultural backgrounds and socio-economic levels. 
• Sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals within and outside the Agency, including but not limited to clients and co-workers.

PAY RANGE:  Competitive Salary and Excellent Benefits