Pre - K/Head Start Teacher

 Under the direction of the Pre-K Program Coordinator, Teachers collaborate with Pre-K Coordinator and Education Specialist to guide the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of each child to ensure readiness for kindergarten and future educational success. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required. 
• Minimum two years of relevant work experience with children four (4) to five (5) years of age preferred.
• CPR and First Aid training preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Essential Job Functions

1. Performs daily activities of enrichment according to the standards set forth by NAEYC, Tennessee Board of Education, Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Child Care Licensing and Porter-Leath.
2. Implements Pre-K curriculum according to the daily lesson plans in an effort to prepare children for Kindergarten success.  
3. Plans activities that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with the Common Core Standards.
4. Administers screenings and assessment to determine student's developmental progress and develop individualized goals.
5. Builds a collaborative partnership with parents and/or legal guardians for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment through regular parent-teacher conferences and other activities.  
6. Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
7. Adapts classroom work for assigned 4 and 5 year old students for the purpose of providing students with instructional support that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
8. Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives.
9. Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject specific assignments for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student achievements.
10. Directs assistant teachers, student teachers, and volunteers for creating a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
11. Facilitates student's learning (e.g. art, science, music, housekeeping, story time, movement activities, etc.) for the purpose of improving the student's academic success and transition to kindergarten.
12. Collaborates with staff to implement parental engagement activities (e.g. orientation, small group discussions, parent meetings, parent-teacher conferences, etc.) for the purpose of encouraging parent involvement and providing leadership to the program.
13. Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment. Reports incidents and accidents in a timely manner as required by Porter-Leath and Tennessee licensing entities.
14. Models conversation, manners, clean-up activities, listening skills, etc. for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social and interpersonal behavior.
15. Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, nap times, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
16. Organizes age appropriate indoor and outdoor activities.
17. Works cooperatively with other staff members in creating a positive environment for children, families and staff.
18. Implements goals from students Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and familiarize self with activities to help students develop.
19. Implements family style dining practices and adhere to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Health Dept. requirements that includes meal service times, meal and attendance documentation, required food portions, etc.
20. Prepares a variety of written materials for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements; maintains appropriate records of attendance, meal counts, individualized and classroom lesson plans, etc. necessary to produce required outcomes/reports.
21. Actively participates in all professional development opportunities.
22. Meets requirements of Pre-K under the Tennessee Department of Education.
23. Communicates with nutrition staff, Family Service Case Manager, and/or Program Manager/Supervisor in order to fulfill nutritional requirements for students.
24. Keeps supervisor informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.
25. Contributes to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

1. Knowledge of and the ability to implement developmentally appropriate programs for preschool child care.
2. Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups.
3. Possess a sincere desire to make a difference in the community and develop professional skills.
4. Ability to have a positive relationship with children, staff and others from diverse backgrounds, including children with special needs.
5. Ability to work effectively and positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children.
6. Possess an attitude of continuous improvement.
7. Possess a commitment to continued education to include regularly participating in workshops, conferences, training sessions, etc.
8. Ability to provide a continuum of care to children ages three (3) to five (5).
9. Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.
10. Ability to follow through on given directives in a timely manner.
11. Flexibility in scheduling.
12. Ability to develop trusting relationships within a client’s home.
13. Ability to work as a team player and interact/assist all employees as necessary.
14. Possess the ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families, conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change, the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the employee and the ability to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and their families.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, teachers are required to remain stationary as well as move about the classroom and school building in order to aid, supervise, and escort students during their daily activities.  Teachers must be able to manipulate and use classroom materials as well as position objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Teachers must be able to distinguish colors and see up-close. Teachers work in a non-smoking environment.