· Meet the needs of all children, including those with special needs, those who are gifted and those who are culturally diverse. · Integrate all Head Start service areas into classroom time. · Develop and utilize lesson plans, which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children. · Implement ongoing early child/family literacy activities. · Individualize one-to-one and group activities to reflect the unique needs and strengths of all children in the classroom. Observe and record behaviors of children to assist in this process. · Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities. · Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making, ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers. · Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom. · Conduct ongoing assessments for children and record data using the Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold web-based assessment tool. · Work with appropriate agencies in developing specialized planning for children/families, as needed. · Supervise and monitor children at all times. · Respond to crisis or emergency situations that may occur and provide first aid or CPR. Prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens, and access emergency services as needed. Written Documentation (20%) · Maintain accurate written records; including assessments, special education documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, documents for transition to public school and parent/teacher conference, home visits and other required forms. Collaborative Service Delivery/Home Visits (15%) · Provide classroom supervision and effective communication for teacher assistants and all volunteers. Ensure teamwork with teacher assistant and others assigned to the class. · Participate in regularly scheduled team meetings to plan for and deliver collaborative services across all service areas. To include working with the Transportation Service Area to ensure children's safety to and from Head Start centers. · Meet regularly with parents, and other staff regarding each child's status and progress. · Conduct regular home visits and parent/teacher conferences for purposes of assessment and support, and to share information on classroom progress, educational strategies and parenting. Curriculum Development (20%) · Assess individual and group needs, attending to special needs, specific interests, strengths and concerns. · With parental involvement, develop balanced lesson plans, which are developmentally appropriate, intellectually challenging and address each child's specific strengths and needs. · Establish daily and weekly goals, which will promote individual and group educational plans and include other Head Start service areas. · Prepare classroom materials to support lesson plans and change and create learning centers as needed. · Adapt curriculum to address and meet individual goals for children as identified in their individualized plans. Miscellaneous (5%) · Attend meetings, trainings, and appropriate professional development activities. · Assure general classroom maintenance/sanitization, laundry and security of facility where applicable. · Maintain an inventory of classroom equipment. · Other duties as requested. Requirements • Strong knowledge of child development, family dynamics, and the needs of children: • Minimum educational requirement of a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or bachelors in a related field that includes classes focusing on early childhood education/development. Note: An associate degree in early childhood education will be accepted; on the condition the employee is already enrolled or enrolls in a bachelor’s degree (ECE) program, which will be mandatory, to maintain teacher status. Failure to work towards a bachelor’s degree will result in the relinquishment of said position. • Diploma/transcripts will be required to validate early childhood education degree or transcripts to validate related classes if bachelor's degree is in a related field. • Prefer two years’ experience in preschool classroom with ability to adapt curriculum to meet the needs of all children including special needs, gifted, and culturally diverse populations. • Ability to apply early childhood development theory in daily classroom activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children. • Excellent communication skills, especially good listening and writing skills. • If a licensed driver, employee must have a valid Virginia Driver's License and proof of current auto insurance where applicable. • Employment is conditional pending immediate enrollment in Child Care Division - Criminal History Registry. • Must present current TB/Physical at the time of employment or within 10 working days for TB test and 30 days for physical. Benefits Health Insurance Paid Time Off Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Retirement Plan Employee Discount Employee Assistance Program