Teacher - Art & Music

Teacher – Art & Music - HEAD START – FAYETTEVILLE, NC

Closing Date:  Open until filled
Employment Type:  Full-time/Non-exempt

Starting Pay: $38,016
Amount of Travel Required:  50%

Overview: The Head Start Art and Music Teacher plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and cultural exploration among young children enrolled in the Head Start program. This position combines artistic and musical instruction with early childhood education principles to promote holistic development and school readiness.

Responsibilities:

1. Curriculum Development:
   • Design and implement age-appropriate art and music curricula that align with Head Start Performance Standards and Early Learning Frameworks.
   • Create lesson plans that integrate various art forms (visual arts, music, dance, drama) to enhance children's cognitive, emotional, and social development.
2. Instructional Delivery:
   • Deliver engaging and interactive art and music lessons that cater to the diverse needs and interests of preschool-aged children.
   • Utilize a variety of teaching strategies, materials, and resources to stimulate creativity and self-expression.
3. Assessment and Progress Monitoring:
   • Conduct ongoing assessments of children's artistic and musical abilities and progress.
   • Maintain accurate records of children's developmental milestones and achievements, and use this data to inform instructional practices.
4. Parent and Community Engagement:
   • Collaborate with parents/guardians to provide insights into children's artistic and musical growth and development and provide activities that can be conducted in the home for home-school connections.
   • Participate in parent-teacher conferences and workshops to support families in extending learning experiences at home.
5. Professional Development:
   • Stay updated on current trends, research, and best practices in early childhood education, art, and music education.
   • Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and knowledge.
6. Classroom Management:
   • Create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where children feel encouraged to explore and express themselves through art and music.
   • Implement positive behavior management techniques to promote cooperative learning and social skills.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Art Education, Music Education, or a related field; Associates Degree is acceptable with at least 3 years’ experience in an early childhood setting.
• Proven experience in teaching art and music to young children, preferably in a preschool or Head Start setting.
• Knowledge of child development theories and practices.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and community stakeholders.
   

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Certificates & Licenses 

It is the employee's responsibility to obtain and keep current all certifications, licenses, physicals, etc., at all times. 

Required certifications, licenses and medical requirements include:

Annual physical and tuberculosis test indicating free of TB 

Must have a valid driver's license and own transportation. Must provide proof of and maintain vehicle liability insurance and annual state vehicle inspection. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The employee must demonstrate the ability to plan and evaluate work. 

Knowledge of principles of child development, early childhood best practice, and early childhood interactions. 

Thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs, characteristics, and development of pre-school-aged children and families is essential to success in this position. 

Must be able to work and communicate well with a variety of people. 

Must be able to pass a post-offer employment medical summary completed by a physician indicating no physical, medical or emotional problems. 

The employee must be able to complete a criminal background check and maintain an active Criminal  Background Check (CBC) Qualification letter through the North Carolina Department of Health and  Human Services Division of Child Development.

The ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Background check with state and Federal law enforcement agencies required. Selected applicants must submit to a pre-employment substance abuse screening test and receive a negative result for the use of drugs and alcohol as specified in agency policies. Must submit and receive negative results for random testing of same. The employee must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License.  Must be able to pass a post-offer physical examination.

Action Pathways, Inc. is an “at-will” employer. Either the employee or Action Pathways, Inc. may terminate the employment arrangement at any time, with or without cause.

Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The job description or announcement is not an employment agreement or contract.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• Zero cost health, vision, dental, short-term disability & life insurance
• Retirement plan with 100% employer matching
• Paid vacation, personal & sick leave
• Professional development training
• Education financial assistance
• Auto mileage reimbursement for official travel

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must apply online at www.actionpathways.ngo