Head Start Teacher

Description

East Side House Settlement (ESH) is a community resource in the South Bronx. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create an economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families and the communities.

East Side House’s Early Childhood programs provide Early Head Start and Head Start services in a safe, supportive, educational environment for children ages 18+ months to 5 years of age.  Serving 231 children daily from five locations, the comprehensive program is designed to develop the cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills of children in a safe, supportive environment. Children and families receive a broad range of educational, nutritional, social and preventive health services. Our staff foster partnerships with families so that they can support school learning and achievement as well as advocate for their children and themselves. We expect that all staff will work collaboratively, and with the community, to promote school readiness while creating a safe, healthy and protective environment.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following key activities:

• Supervise the overall function of the classroom as it relates to toddlers.
• Consider the individual differences and needs of the children’s culture, language and special abilities.

• Enhance children’s understanding of themselves as individuals and in relation to others by planning with the co-lead teacher a flexible program which provides for individual, small group and large group activities.
• Direct a daily education program for the class by providing an atmosphere in which toddlers will develop a love for learning that develops the child’s social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and adaptive skills as developmentally appropriate.
• Observing, recording, and assessing children’s developmental growth throughout the school year
• Encourage children to solve problems, initiate activities, experiment, question and gain mastery through learning.
• Supervising personnel assigned (i.e. teaching interns, volunteers, etc.) to assist with daily group activities.
• Hold regular meetings with class team to discuss plans and evaluate progress of children.
• Preparing educational materials required to implement the daily activity plan.
• Maintaining an orderly physical environment conducive to optimal growth and development of children
• Attending and contributing to staff and parent meetings
• Sharing information appropriately with other center staff members
• Reference research-based toddler curriculum for different methods and new activities for daily activities
• Schedule parent teacher conferences for the purpose of receiving parent input into program activities, and to familiarize parents with the curriculum so they can carry out activities in their homes and reinforce the child’s learning.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, In-Service Trainings, Educational Meetings and other meetings requested by the Educational Director as it relates to education and professional development.
• Developing positive relationships with parents
• Following policies and procedures by which information concerning the children and the program can be shared with parents.
• Attending and participating in group parent meetings as required
• Respecting the confidential nature of all information about parents and children
• Coordinate the involvement of parents in educational activities of the program by encouraging parent participation in the classroom. 
• Support community residents, parents and program participant’s active involvement in agency community building efforts as well as complete tasks necessary to move these efforts forward including serving on community building committees as assigned by supervisor.
• Use resources in the community to enhance the program.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of children/participants by being diligent in engagement, attentive to their needs, cognizance of surroundings, and capable of administering immediate assistance as needed.”
• Responsible for curriculum/lesson planning with classroom teams

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

• or in Child Psychology,
• or in Child Development,
• or in N-6 Elementary Education,
• or in Special Education, Students with Disabilities (B-2)

• N.Y. State Teaching Initial/Permanent Certificate preferred in the following: B-2, N-6, 1-6
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and a formal commitment to be on a Study Plan (to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the above field of study) 
• One year experience working with children ages three to five in a school setting and/or child care setting

Competencies

1. 1. Teamwork Orientation
   2. Communication Proficiency
   3. Customer/Client Focus
   4. Time Management
   5. Thoroughness

Required Clearances

• NYC Department of Investigation Comprehensive Background Clearance
• NYC Department of Health Medical Clearance
• NYS Statewide Central Registry Clearance
• NYS Staff Exclusion List Clearance
• NYS Sex Offender Registry Clearance
• COVID Vaccine-As a recipient of Federal, State, and local funds, all staff are expected to be fully vaccinated or able to obtain vaccination before their start date

Supervisory Responsibility

No

Work Environment

This job operates in a classroom setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The role varies according to the classrooms schedule. Some activities may include but not limited to jumping, bending, lifting, etc.

Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm. Workdays/hours subject to change based on ESH’s program needs.

Remote Work

ESH has determined that up to (0%) of this position can be remote due to COVID-19. Subject to change as public health conditions evolve.

Travel

Travel may be necessary from one site to another for staff coverage purposes.

To Apply

To be considered for a position with East Side House visit our website: www.eastsidehouse.org/careers  

AAP/EEO Statement

ESH encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women to apply. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.