Head Start Teacher

Job Type: Regular Full Time (seasonal)

Location: Cordova

Salary: DOE $28

Summary:

The Head Start Teacher is a program specific position. The position is responsible for planning and managing the education of young children and child file management, Childplus data entry, My Teaching Strategies (MTS) data point data entry and monitoring, paperwork processing and filing and CACFP duties. This position provides assistance to the Head Start Anchorage office staff with duties and tasks pertinent to Head Start program services. Provides support to the Sugt’stun teacher with the Sugt’stun language learning.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides quality education and individualized services for enrolled children and families. Promotes a safe and healthy learning environment by following Federal Performance Standards and Chugachmiut Policies and Procedures.
• Monitors child files according to company standard.  When instructed, enters child and family information into the ChildPlus computer databank.  Is primarily responsible to provide services for the Education and Disabilities components of Head Start, including Head Start CLASS compliance, assigning and updating education and school readiness goals for children based on screening and assessment data using MTS,  DIAL4, and ChildPlus Data systems.  Works with the Head Start Education and Disabilities Coordinator to align learning outcomes with State of Alaska Early Learning Guidelines and Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework as well as documenting learning outcomes. Assures MTS is updated and the appropriate level of documentation is entered into the system on a weekly and monthly basis. Produce the correct reports in alignment with the program year and shares the reports with parents twice per year during Parent Teacher Conferences.
• Monitor the requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Monitor meal counts are being done at the point of service, family style dining is happening at all meals provided, all food components are being served for each meal at the same time, the menu meets the required meal patterns for each meal, the working menu is reflective of each meal served before the specified meal.
• Develop lesson plans using the Creative Curriculum, assuring the individualized educational needs of children are met and documented appropriately.  Monitors the use of individualizing materials coordinating with the Creative Curriculum tools such as the Mighty Minutes and other tools within the Creative Curriculum and MTS. Submit bi-weekly updates on MTS documentation to the Education and Disabilities Coordinator and Director via email.
• Monitors all Screening and Assessment timelines for compliance with Standards. Assures children who enter into the program after the initial screening is completed have a screening in place before the 45 day timeline, working with the Anchorage office staff for timeline compliance.  Is fully responsible for child files to have documentation of screening before the 45 day timeline.  Assures children who are identified in the screening process are referred for assessment in a timely manner, involving parents in the process. Assures follow up documentation is in each child’s file.   For children who are flagged for further assessment, and assure children receive further assessment within 30 days of referral or as indicated by the School District.  Attend and participate in Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings in person or telephonically.  Monitor IEPs and provide training for teacher aides to understand the IEP, especially when Head Start roles are identified in the IEP.  Schedule IEP review meetings to assure Head Start’s portion of the IEP goals are met within established timelines.
• Works with teaching staff to assure lesson plans include Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) data and monitor learning outcomes and goal achievement, updating plans as indicated within timelines indicated.
• Works with the Anchorage office , the Local Education Agency (LEA), and community partners, along with parents, to assure children with disabilities receive timely and appropriate services and child files contain required documentation and permissions.
• Assists in the development of necessary forms and instructions for the program.  Provides administrative assistance to the Head Start Anchorage staff as requested.
• Compiles program reports as directed. 
• Participates in Pre-Service and In-Service training as scheduled.
• Responsible to initiate and carry out assigned duties with limited supervision.
• Conforms to safety policies and general housekeeping practices.
• Demonstrates sound work ethics, flexible, and shows dedication to the position.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude, is respectful, and possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity toward clients and co-workers.
• Keeps customer service and the mission of the organization in mind when interacting with all clients, co-workers, and others.
• Expected to be prepared to start shift on time, meet attendance standards, and work the hours necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Employees are expected to embrace, support and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion and quality which align with Chugachmiut’s Mission and Vision through their actions and interactions with all patients, staff, and others.
• Conforms to Chugachmiut policies, strict employee confidentiality, and HIPAA regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Education Requirements:

• Federal Performance Standards require that Head Start teachers have a Bachelors or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, and if teachers are hired without this credential, they must have a high school diploma or GED and enroll into a Child Development Associate (CDA) program as soon as possible after hire.  They must also enroll into an Associates or Bachelors program directly following completing the CDA program.  Teachers must demonstrate adequate progress towards achieving their credential each quarter and follow their Professional Development Plan (PDP).
• 18 years of age or older

Hours of Work:

Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hours may change in order for employee to attend trainings and events from time to time. Chugachmiut maintains a drug and alcohol and/non-smoking work environment.