JOB SUMMARY: Fort Valley State University's Family and Consumer Sciences Department is seeking candidates for the Head Start Teacher position. The Head Start Teacher will provide a successful, safe and supervised educational setting for infants & toddlers while they are in the Head Start environment (classroom, outdoor play area, and field trips). The Head Start Teacher will be developing individual goals for children, provide on-going assessment on progress and facilitate transition into Head Start or other pre-school settings. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under general supervision, applicant must be able to maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom setting, confident files on all children, correspond and work with parents; Teach and develop lesson plans as outlined in the program's adopted curriculum; Participates in daily planning with Child Development Specialist (Teacher Assistant) based on assessment outcomes and child interest; Assure classroom operates within the guidelines and standards of the Fort Valley State University Head Start Policies and Procedures and the Head Start Performance Standards; Assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices; Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations; Must be willing to relocate to another center within the program whenever needed; Displays a high level of effort and commitment to performing work; operates effectively within the organizational structure and be inclusive of children with special needs and disabilities; Assist in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood; Bring willingness to learn and grow with other members of the program, center and community by participating in staff development opportunities; QUALIFICATIONS: Required Bachelor's degree in Infant & Child Development or related area; or an Associate's degree and two years or more of work experience. Significant experience and alternative training in early childcare and development may be considered in lieu of degree. Must successfully pass a drug screening and background check. Preferred Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related area. Experience in working with children birth to three years of age. Current CPR and First Aid certifications are desired. Maintain an annual physical and Tuberculosis vaccination. WORKING CONDITIONS: Must have own reliable transportation to travel to and from one of the centers located in Taylor, Macon, Dooly and Crisp counties; Must be punctual and able to work Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Must be able to work indoors as well as transition the classroom to outdoors; Possible exposure to communicable diseases; Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues; PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Frequently required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Be able to occasionally lift 40 pounds from waist to shoulder. USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
