November 5, 2024

North East Kingdom Community Action

Island Pond

FULL TIME

Teacher

Description: Job Title: Teacher
Department: Head Start
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hours/Weeks: Part Year, Full Time
Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): Yes
Hiring Range: $18.62 - $35.21 (Dependent on experience and education)
NEKCA Mission Statement:
To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.
SUMMARY:
Teachers create and maintain a respectful classroom culture that fosters safe and productive learning. In partnership with families, teaching staff, and program supports Teachers develop and implement developmentally appropriate, child-initiated, culturally integrated curriculum for children ages 3 – 5 in a classroom environment. They foster an environment that is centered around social-emotional learning and school readiness.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, and NEKCA Standard of Conduct.
Complete NEKCA Performance Evaluations, Professional Development Self-Assessment, and in partnership with the supervisor, Individualized

Professional Development Plan
•Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program Child Protection Protocol •Participate in center staff meetings, monthly content area meetings, pre-service, and in-services and incorporate relevant knowledge and skills into practice
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Create and maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment by implementing appropriate effective behavior management strategies •Teachers join children in all settings, observing and engaging them in conversations at eye level to extend and deepen children’s learning

Attend to the personal care needs of all children in the center
Maintain accurate, up-to-date files on assigned children
Participate in completion of HS/EHS Application as requested
Participate in the planning and implementation of registration activities
Participate in obtaining heights and weights and sensory screenings for children enrolled
Complete developmental screening within 45 days of the child entering the program and incorporate information into weekly planning, classroom setup, and home visits
Complete Family Mealtime Patterns within 45 days of the child entering the program. Update in the spring during 2nd home visit
Develop and implement classroom curriculum through age-appropriate activities that include organized learning areas allowing a variety of choices each day based on child and family’s needs, interests, culture, home language, and assessment information
Solicit and incorporate parent/guardian input into the curriculum
Provide individualized activities for a minimum of three focus children a week
Complete observations to support each objective and dimension of Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment Systems 3 times per year
Complete Family Conference form in fall and spring and update at second Parent/Guardian Teacher Conference
Offer two Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences and two home visits per year
Review and discuss behavioral and play-based screenings with parent/guardian
Review Child Health Summaries with parents/guardians by the end of the Program Year
Staff will document all child development, health, and disability delivery of services and follow-up
Encourage and document parent/guardian partnership in their child’s learning experience and their family’s Head Start experience
Offer and document ongoing communication efforts with parents/guardians
Participate in the development and implementation of Individual Health Plans as requested
In partnership with parents/guardians, Center Manager, and CAMs, initiate and document referral process to appropriate agencies/providers based on developmental concerns
In partnership with families and appropriate community agencies/providers, participate in and ensure documentation of team meetings, evaluation processes, and development of individualized plans
Assist in implementing Individual Education Plans for children with special needs
Promote regular attendance and document reasons for absences in child’s file
Actively participate in program and family/child staffing
Per program staffing protocol, consult with appropriate Content Area Managers and Consultants, document, and complete follow-up
Ensure that Creative Curriculum’s “Letters to Parents” are included in the newsletter
Analyze and discuss child outcomes data at center level and develop an action plan two (part day/part-year) or three (full day/full year) times per year
Participate in the planning, implementation, and recording of child observations of EHS playgroups (if applicable)
Participate in the development and implementation of Center Recruitment Plan
In partnership with center team, participate in collecting and documenting non-federal share
Participate in a minimum of one early childhood community event a year as requested by supervisor
Ensure that equipment, toys, and furniture are stored in a safe and orderly fashion and sanitized per childcare licensing regulations
Attend and participate in staff, agency, and service provider meetings deemed necessary for job performance.

Requirements: POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience:

Minimum of Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with coursework in Early Childhood Education required
2 years relevant experience

Core Competencies:

Work effectively as a team member
Sufficient transportation to meet job requirements
Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within six months of employment
Effective written and oral communication skills
Maintain confidentiality
Commitment to be actively engaged in a continuing process of professional development

Background Checks:
Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, and criminal records.
Transportation Requirements:
This position necessitates that employees possess a valid driver's license and have access to dependable transportation.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Employees in this position work primarily in a classroom environment controlled temperature conditions. This position may include time outside during calm moderate weather. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. The work involves sitting and standing for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require bending and lifting.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.