Center Teacher

The Center Teacher plays a vital role in the success of the children served in the CAC Early Childhood Program.

Responsibilities include ensuring the education, safety, and well-being of enrolled children.

General Teaching Responsibilities: * Plan lessons for children (Head Start: ages 3-5, Early Head Start: 6 weeks-3 years) based on developmental needs and interests * Prepare children for Kindergarten Readiness * Assist with childcare operations: open/close classroom, collect fees, submit sign-in sheets, and support ODJFS reimbursement * Guide families and children through developmental milestones via assessment and wellness observation * Collaborate with families to promote optimal learning and development Functional Area: Child Development/Health/Disabilities (60%) * Supervise and monitor children using Active Supervision * Attend team meetings to coordinate services * Respond to crises or emergencies * Support breaks and staff/child ratio coverage, flexible hours between 5:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m.

* Address individual/group needs and interests * Develop integrated curriculum promoting holistic development * Follow consistent classroom routines with varied activities * Promote exploration, problem solving, cooperation, and respectful interaction * Set weekly goals that support school readiness and wellness * Prepare classroom materials and update learning centers * Document assessments per School Readiness Goals and state/federal standards * Collaborate with therapists as needed * Educate and support parents on health/preventative care and documentation * Conduct daily health checks * Mentor and train new staff * Adapt curriculum per IEP/IFSP * Assist families during evaluation/transition processes * Maintain all documentation in Childplus system * Participate in program planning and monitoring * Assist with meal prep, service, and tracking Functional Area: Parent, Family & Community Engagement (25%) * Encourage and document family engagement * Provide emergency transportation as needed * Empower parents as their child's first teacher and advocate * Promote and support parent involvement in classroom and activities * Maintain regular communication with parents on progress * Conduct home visits and parent/teacher conferences * Refer families to Family Services Coordinator as needed Functional Area: Transportation (5%) * Complete required van/CDL pre-service training and certification per PDP * Drive safely, follow laws and agency policy * Secure children in appropriate restraints * Complete all driving tasks and documentation * Drive bus/van as needed, complete in-service training * Comply with DOT drug/alcohol screening, T8 physicals, and recertifications Functional Area: Other Duties (10%) * Participate in committees * Keep work areas clean and orderly * Perform additional duties to support program goals * Maintain facility security and inventory * May be named center administrator for licensing * Support recruitment and full enrollment * Follow all agency and licensing rules * Maintain confidentiality and report any disqualifying offenses * Avoid social networking during work hours unless job-related * Exhibit professionalism, teamwork, and a positive attitude * Follow personal device policies in classrooms Minimum Requirements: * Education: * Early Head Start: CDA Certification * Preschool: AA or higher in Early Childhood or related field * Experience: * Preference for experience with children under six * Additional Requirements: * Physical/T8 exam, updated immunizations, 3 references * Background check permission, signed Standards of Conduct * Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, proof of insurance * Must be insurable * Audio/visual capabilities for child care * CDL applicants: pre-employment drug/alcohol test * Commitment to professional development (occasional overnight travel) * Ability to lift 40 lbs Preferred Qualifications: * BA in Early Childhood or related field * Extensive experience with children under age six Working Conditions: * Well-lit classroom environment * Up to 20 children (ages 3-5) or 8 (ages 6 weeks-3 years) * Requires lifting, standing, bending, and stooping * Fast-paced with moderate to high stress levels * Includes occasional overnight travel for professional development