KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Job Description 

Job Title:               Early Head Start Classroom Instructor

Job Title Code:       00321

Salary Grade:         H07-A.A. ($19.30-$30.82) H09-B.A. ($24.30-$38.81)

Department:          Office of Early Learning

Reports To:            Director of Head Start

FLSA Status:          Non-Exempt

Date Prepared:      June 2013               Revised: Oct. 2021 

PURPOSE OF JOB: The EHS Classroom Instructor effectively plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily activities that support infant and toddler’s health, social-emotional and cognitive development. This involves the facilitation of a team-teaching approach and the ability to engage teen parent’s in their child’s development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Leads the teaching team through a collaborative process to develop and implement weekly lesson plans utilizing the approved curriculum, assessment and daily classroom routine. Reviews lesson plans daily with the teaching assistant during planning time and post for visibility.
2. Promotes and supports children’s social, emotional and physical development. Plans, facilitates and nurtures the development of each child’s self-esteem, trust, and growing autonomy.
3. Individualizes instruction to promote the development of each child’s cognitive and language skills by preparing the environment for infants and toddlers to learn through active exploration and interaction with caregivers. Responds quickly to children’s personal needs (verbal and non-verbal cues), temperament styles, and abilities.
4. Completes the DRDP (Desired Results Development Profile) three times per year on each child by collecting observations and data that align with the DESE Early Childhood Learning Outcomes and Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. Develops a strategy and team approach to ensure that the data collected is ongoing, objective and consistent. This requires the use of an iPad and other technology methods.
5. Promotes an environment that is consistent with the philosophy of Head Start, Trauma Smart, and Conscious Discipline classroom management techniques. Supports the development of adaptive skills and complete necessary referrals to the Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator as appropriate.
6. Creates a classroom environment that aligns with CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System). This includes creating a positive climate, engaging in meaningful interactions, and promoting language and critical thinking skills.
7. Establishes a learning environment that values diversity and provides a variety of multi-cultural experiences. Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for each child’s background by incorporating the cultural and family backgrounds in the curriculum.
8. Maintains a safe and healthy classroom environment as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards. This includes the effective supervision of children, utilizing C.A.S.E. when transitioning children from one location to another and maintaining the required classroom ratio. Monitor the arrival and departure of children and record attendance accurately and consistently. Communicate with teaching team regarding roles and responsibilities of the daily routine.
9. Displays and present children’s experiences throughout the classroom for parents to view. Documents the process children engaged in and connects to learning outcomes.
10. Completes assigned trainings (minimum 15 hours annually), participates in professional learning communities, completes paperwork and reporting requirements, and meets deadlines set forth by leadership and MARC.
11. Actively recruits parents to volunteer and spend time in the classroom daily. Develops and maintains supportive and professional relationships with families to enhance parent education, communication, involvement and advocacy. Provides educational guidance to families through two (2) home visits and two (2) conferences per year.
12. Orders appropriate materials, supplies and equipment as needed. Maintains the inventory record as required.
13. Treats children, families and colleagues with professionalism and supports a positive work environment that aligns with the philosophy of KCPS Head Start, Trauma Smart and Conscious Discipline.
14. Follows district guidelines for reporting incidents of suspected abuse, neglect or contagious disease.
15. Utilizes relevant district and Head Start software and technology effectively in the performance of duties. Completes paperwork according to assigned timelines and follows code of conduct and confidentiality policies.
16. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associate’s Degree in child development or related field

2. Experience working with infant and toddlers and their families

1. Successful completion of required background check and submission of an initial physical and TB screening

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
2. Experience working with teen parents
3. Experience working in culturally diverse communities

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, lift objects/children of at least forty pounds; use stairs; move quickly from one space to another; spend extended time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions; visual ability requires mono and color vision.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Length of work year: 211 days, 8 hours per day, 5 days per week

Benefits:  Health, Dental and Life Insurance are provided.

KCPS Defined Benefit Pension plan – mandatory 9% contribution is required from employee and matched by KCPS; Voluntary retirement savings plans are also available.