This position qualifies for a signing bonus up to $2,500

Division: Head Start - Various Locations

Position Type:
Full Time: 10-Month
Mon – Fri 8:00am –4:00pm
(Job Grade: 17e)

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Teaches academic and social-emotional skills to 3 and 4-year-old children in a school setting by performing the duties listed below. Teachers plan and implement a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for pre-school children that promote developmental gains toward the attainment of kindergarten readiness skills as defined in the Head Start Performance Standards, within an MTSS framework. Teacher professionalism in the classroom, with families, the community and with staff serve as a model of excellence.

Minimum Skills and Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with ZA/ZS endorsement, bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or Child Development.

 
Certificates, License, Registration:
Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Must have knowledge of and comply with Head Start Policies and Procedures, and State of Michigan Licensing for Child Care Centers
• Creates and implements curriculum/lesson plans incorporating hands-on activities and experiential learning considering factors such as individual needs, abilities learning levels and physical limitations of students
• Confers with parents, administrators, specialists, social workers and others to implement the individual educational programs (IEPs) for students who are at different learning ability levels
• Creates a flexible environment that is focused on student success to maximize potential.
• Utilizes student assessment data to inform whole group, small group, and individualized instruction
• Implements program assessment tools with fidelity.
• Establishes effective communication with parents regarding the progress of students and includes them in setting curricular goals for their child
• Implements Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) in the classroom
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date child records and lesson plans
• Embodies and demonstrates Kalamazoo RESA’s Core Values: Collaboration, Respect, Trustworthy, innovation, and compassion
• Assist with delivery of Head Start services as defined by Head Start Performance Standards
• Establish a safe, healthy, stimulating and developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children
• Implement program curriculum with fidelity
• Observe and assess children’s development on a regular basis, analyze data and make plans or referrals specific to the needs of the individual child
• Provide daily direction and oversight to other classroom staff through positive communication, and coaching of desired behaviors and outcomes
• Build positive relationships with families to promote positive parent/child relationships including family events in the classroom and program, and take-home activities
• Work with program staff to provide comprehensive services to families and children
• Work in partnership with associate teacher and family advocate
• Regular and consistent attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Skills and Education: 
• Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to diversity, inclusiveness, and anti-racism
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultures
• Ability to discuss cultural differences with colleagues and clients
• Ability to assess one's own strengths and limitations or challenges and integrate this understanding into interpersonal interactions
• Has high expectations for all students
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally, and non-verbally
• Reflective practitioner willing to be coached
• Keeps site supervisor up to date of classroom status.
• Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adapts to frequent changes in the work environment.
• Practices safe work habits.
• Develops and maintains atmosphere of teamwork.
• Uses equipment and material properly.
• Understands Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the

essential functions.

The employee is frequently required to reach with arms and hands, stand, walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must support and transfer students who are unable to completely bear weight on their own without the assistance of other staff. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

This position works in a pre-school classroom with child size furniture and seating. The position requires, sitting in 13.5” chairs and on the floor; adverse driving conditions; bending; stretching, extended sitting; extended standing; stair climbing; kneeling; crouching; reaching; fine and gross motor skills; coordination of hands – fine and gross; eye/hand/foot coordination; visual memory and discrimination; auditory memory and discrimination; reading and writing ability; judgment; simple and complex decision making; and lifting up to 75 pounds. This position is covered by the OHSA Final Rule

Blood borne Pathogens Act, Category A, with potential for exposure to communicable disease and pests such as head lice. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

This position is a mandated reporter of child abuse/neglect and must have a Department of Humans Services child abuse and neglect clearance. The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district.

Apply online at www.kresa.org/jobs

Kalamazoo RESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals.

It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Executive Director of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.