Job Description - Head Start Teacher
Starting Pay with Qualifying AA: $26.63
Job Summary:
Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions by planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support successful curriculum implementation, ongoing assessment, and children’s progress aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards. Ensure inclusive practices that support children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate. Partner with parents to support and strengthen their role as their child’s first teacher.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Evaluate the Paraeducator in accordance with Wyoming Child & Family Development policies and procedures.
- Provide direction and support to the Paraeducator in preparing classroom materials, documenting children’s progress, and assisting individual children within the classroom environment.
Duties/Responsibilities:
All duties will comply with all rules, regulations, and practices of the agency and its regulating authorities. WCFD standards, DFS licensing, NAEYC guidelines, Wyoming Division of Disabilities regulations, and WCFD policies. All employees will adhere to the mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures of WCFD.
- Provides direct services to children, families, and staff in a variety of settings and weather conditions.
- Plans and implements developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support effective curriculum implementation and school readiness goals.
- Creates a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment with effective classroom and behavior management practices.
- Uses ongoing assessment data to individualize instruction and promote children’s progress aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, Wyoming Early Learning Guidelines, and Wyoming Early Learning Foundations.
- Maintains accurate and timely program documentation, including lesson plans, child assessments, and progress records.
- Recognizes parents as their child’s primary teacher and encourages family engagement in curriculum, trainings, and program activities.
- Works collaboratively with parents/guardians to develop and support individualized school readiness goals for each child.
- Establishes positive, cooperative relationships with families and communicates information that supports the best interests of children.
- Demonstrates advocacy, involvement, and support for children and families within the broader community.
- Participates in child screenings and referrals, as appropriate.
- Ensures the safety and well-being of all enrolled children and families participating in WCFD programs.
- Assists with child recruitment activities in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services and WCFD guidelines.
- Provides emergency care and responds appropriately to urgent situations involving children and families.
- Maintains confidentiality of children, families, staff, and program information at all times.
- Reports suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with WCFD policies and applicable regulations.
- Follows all WCFD policies, procedures, and Standards of Conduct.
- Performs other related duties as assigned by the Board or its designee.
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, without posing a safety risk to self or others.
- Must complete required pre-employment and ongoing requirements, including physicals, TB risk assessments, CPR/First Aid certification, background checks, and fingerprinting.
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and liability insurance in accordance with Wyoming State Law.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Must be able to work well with 3 - 5 year old children and their families, including those with special needs and those that speak languages other than English.
- Reliable, organized, and detail oriented
- Must possess strong problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately
- Excellent interpersonal skills are required to collaborate with individuals with diverse ranges of personalities, backgrounds, and knowledge bases
- Strong communication skills are essential to interact with staff, children, families, and the broader community.
- Must have effective stress management strategies and the ability to maintain composure in challenging situations.
- Flexibility is key; the ability to adapt to changing daily routines is required.
- Bilingual candidates are preferred.
Education and Experience:
- Baccalaureate or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, or a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education preferred.
- Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or required field
- Must be willing to attain additional training or certifications, which may be required by Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.
- WCFD will only accept college degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Physical Requirements:
Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Must possess visual acuity and stamina to read technical material for extended periods of time.
- Be able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time without fatigue or discomfort.
- Must be able to travel to site locations, meetings and trainings, both in and out of state.
- Must be willing to drive in a variety of weather conditions.
- Must be able to hear and process ordinary conversation and telephone conversation.
- Must be able to tolerate air-conditioned buildings and fluorescent lights.
- Must be able to climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or reach, to retrieve materials and supplies from ground level to a height of at least 5 ft.
- Must have upper body strength to lift and carry the equivalent of 50 pounds.
- Must be able to assist a child to safety in case of an emergency.
- Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot and cold weather.
- Ability to travel across a multi-county region; work in homes, community settings, and office environments; maintain flexible scheduling to meet availability needs.
