EHS Head Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY

Neighborhood House’s Head Start program provides an opportunity for participants to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that emphasizes families as the child’s primary teachers in a co-operative environment between families, teachers, family advocates, home visitors, and other staff, with connection to community resources, and learning through child-led play. Our program is designed to meet the needs of, and to provide school readiness skills to, all eligible children, including those with special needs and disabilities, so our community’s children and families are stronger for life.

This position will lead their teaching team in fostering a positive classroom climate through the utilization of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) strategies to guide classroom management, while effectively implementing Creative Curriculum to support student’s learning and healthy development while applying data from research-based child assessment tools to individualize children’s learning experiences. This position oversees all aspects of the classroom management including assuring that all staff are adhering to the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards with day-to-day supervision from Early Childhood Site Supervisor.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

CLASSROOM LEADERSHIP:

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to classroom staff.
• Model best practices in early childhood education and encourage professional growth and development among team members.
• Conduct monthly collaborative team meetings to discuss classroom operations, environment, team goals, and outcomes.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:

• Establish and uphold a positive classroom climate utilizing the PBIS framework.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff while maintaining an environment conducive to learning.
• Supervise all students actively to ensure their mental, physical, and emotional safety.
• Take necessary precautions to safeguard students, staff, and facilities both indoors and outdoors.
• Ensure the organization of classroom supplies and learning materials for accessibility and engagement.
• Maintain a consistent routine comprising various activities to promote holistic child development.
• Foster exploration, problem-solving, and positive socialization through thoughtful classroom arrangement.
• Engage actively in child-led play and meaningful conversations to support individual development.
• Leverage mealtimes and outdoor activities to reinforce positive social skills and healthy habits.
• Assist with daily tasks such as setup, cleanup, diaper changes, and potty training according to protocols.
• Ensure adherence to positive behavior management and safety procedures among all staff.

EDUCATION SERVICES DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, and ASSESSMENT:

• Develop and execute developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with program goals.
• Incorporate individualized learning goals into lesson planning based on assessment outcomes.
• Conduct developmental screenings and assessments, interpreting results for tailored educational strategies.
• Collaborate with families to ensure continuity between home and classroom learning experiences.
• Facilitate parent-teacher conferences and home visits to support individualized learning plans.
• Educate families on kindergarten readiness and transition strategies.
• Regularly communicate with families regarding child progress and developmental screenings. 

OTHER:

• Lead weekly meetings with classroom team.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings to plan integrated services and identify additional support.
• Utilize program data to enhance child, family, and program outcomes.
• Meet monthly with supervisor for reflective supervision, regular self-assessment of job performance and to track goals and work.
• Attend all programmatic all-staff meetings and trainings and Neighborhood House all staff meetings when able
• Participate in program and agency committees when available.
• Participate in the program’s annual self-assessment as required.
• Assist in the maintenance and cleaning of workspace and communal areas, as needed, and/or assigned.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will not supervise.

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and Outlook Mail.
• Familiarity with research-based child assessment tools preferred.
• Experience working directly with parents preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and handle sensitive information.
• Capacity to work independently and within a team, demonstrating problem-solving skills.
• Physical ability to meet the demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 pounds
• Food handlers and First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of hire.
• Must be registered with the Criminal Background Registry (CBR)
• Valid driver's license, vehicle transportation, and auto insurance strongly
• encouraged.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Knowledge of early childhood development and general principles of early childhood education and developmentally appropriate, child-led, multi-cultural, anti-bias curriculum for children under the age of 5, is required. 

A minimum of a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) Infant/Toddler is required and two years' experience working with children ages 0-3 or equivalent qualifications placing the candidate at a step 7 or higher on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) and three years’ experience working with children ages 0-3.

 Associate’s in Early Childhood Education (ECE) preferred or equivalent qualifications placing the candidate at a step 9 or higher on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) and one year of experience working with children 0-3.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, CREDENTIALS AND/OR REGISTRATIONS

• Central Background Registry Number: Successful registration with the Oregon Central Background Registry is mandatory prior to commencing employment.
• Oregon Registry Step: Minimum attainment of Step 9.5 in the Oregon Registry Online Database (ORO) is required to demonstrate competency and qualifications for the role.
• First Aid/CPR Certification: Possession of valid First Aid and CPR certification is mandatory. If not already certified, candidates must obtain certification within 30 days from the date of hire to ensure readiness to respond to emergency situations effectively.
• Food Handler's Card: Acquisition of a Food Handler's card is required within 30 days from the date of hire, demonstrating compliance with food safety regulations and protocols.
• Valid Driver's License: vehicle transportation, and auto insurance strongly encouraged.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues, children, and families.
• Extended Periods of Sitting/Standing: The employee will frequently sit or stand for extended periods while utilizing a computer monitor and keyboard.
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle or feel objects and equipment is essential for carrying out various tasks.
• Range of Motion: The employee may be required to reach with hands and arms, kneel, or crouch as part of daily duties.
• Lifting and Moving: Occasional to frequent lifting and/or moving of up to 50 pounds may be necessary to handle equipment or assist children as needed.
• Visual Acuity: Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, are required to perform tasks accurately.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to high noise levels typical of a classroom environment.

Benefits

Neighborhood House offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 26 days of PTO (increases with tenure) per year
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Kaiser health, vision, and dental insurance with low employee premiums
• 403b retirement plan
• Company-paid life insurance. Voluntary life, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free counseling