Head Start Teacher

What You'll Do

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Exceptional Teaching & Classroom Leadership

 Serves as a Head Start Classroom Teacher, modeling effective teaching techniques and

innovative approaches. Exceeds expectations by creating a learning environment that is

both responsive and high-achieving.

 Establishes a classroom that respects and values all children. Promotes independence

while addressing the social, emotional, and physical needs of each child with a nonjudgmental

approach.

 Designs and implements activities that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and

engagement. Uses guidance techniques that build connections and encourage the child's

confidence.

Partnerships & Collaboration

 Collaborates closely with the Teacher Assistant to execute daily routines (attendance,

meals, hygiene). Acts as a leader who provides guidance and mentorship, fostering a

supportive and inclusive environment.

 Organizes parent-teacher collaborations through conferences and home visits, valuing

parents as Allies and the primary educators. Listens to family needs and maintains open

lines of communication.

 Partners with the Family Advocate to support health and social service needs. Ensures

families are supported through appropriate referrals and consistent follow-up.

Integrity & Accountability

 Maintains the daily classroom schedule with consistency, fairness, and high

expectations. Follows all Childcare Licensing requirements.

 Administers all required screenings and assessments (such as LAP-D). Maintains

honest, accurate, and organized records, ensuring accountability in data and child

progress tracking.

 Follows and maintains QRIS 5-Star criteria. A minimum of 30 hours must be obtained.

 Develops plans based on ongoing assessments, ensuring families are active partners and

that all questions regarding child development are welcome.

Innovation & Professionalism

 Actively engages in professional development to enhance teaching practices.

Demonstrates an open mind and a willingness to research and execute change to adapt

to evolving educational strategies.

 Participates in center activities, recruitment, and special events.

Technology

 Must be proficient in technology, both software and hardware. This includes utilizing

ChildPlus, KidKare, and Online LAP.

Other

 Performs other Head Start/Early Head Start duties required to accomplish the Head

Start/Early Head Start mission.

 This position requires frequent travel to off-site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a licensed childcare facility with children aged from one to twelve years

of age; most of the children are between the ages of three and five. Activities are performed in

all areas of the building, including the classroom, restrooms, cafeteria (if separate from the

classroom), and on the playground. Activities are not limited to the center but will include

field trips to child-oriented activities. Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such

as lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or

positioning the body to be on a child’s level and floor level. Must be able to bend, stoop,

kneel, crouch, and run or walk hurriedly for a child’s safety. No physical limitations that

would preclude the active performance of classroom duties.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

 Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.

 Must be a member of the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR) with

an Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) level of 4 or higher.

 Master Teacher Status: Ability to complete necessary steps on the OPDR to be counted

toward the center's Master Teacher ratio.

 Commitment to maintain at least 2 college credits or 20 professional development (PD)

hours annually per PDL certification.

 Completion of approved entry-level training (e.g., ELCCT) on the OPDR website

within 90 days of employment.

 Completion of Early Learning Guidelines training and one full set of Pyramid Model

modules (Birth to Five, Preschool, or Infant/Toddler).

 CPR certified annually (or within 90 days of hire) and formal professional development

in Safe Sleep practices before caring for infants.

Demonstrated ability to assume full responsibility for an Early Childhood classroom

and all related instructional duties.

 Must meet all state and funding source requirements, including mandatory

fingerprinting.

 Valid Oklahoma State driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

 Understanding that entry-level training must be refreshed if the individual has not been

employed in a licensed program within the last five years.

Nice to Have

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED

 Two (2) years of full-time employment in an Early Childhood classroom.

Benefits