Teacher Early HS I

About the Role

The Early Head Start Teacher develops and implements educational plans for infants and toddlers to promote social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Working collaboratively with a co-teacher, you will manage daily classroom operations, ensure legal compliance, and foster strong partnerships with families.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a co-Teacher to develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities.
• Guide and facilitate children's activities, including daily classroom activities and field trips.
• Select and set up equipment and materials, ensuring a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Practice responsive caregiving and include individualized and small group activities.
• Plan and conduct conferences (minimum 2) and home visits (minimum 2) to inform parents/caregivers about child development and learning.
• Maintain accurate records, both on paper and in designated online systems.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Plan, conduct, and document observations, assessments, and screenings.
• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child.
• Work with Program Aides and Volunteers to develop their skills in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
• Protect children's safety by implementing active supervision techniques.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom, ensuring its safety.
• Eat with and assist children during mealtime to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Ensure children's physical needs are met, assisting with health and personal habits.
• Engage parents in their children's education through classroom involvement and home activities.
• Create an annual inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies.
• Develop and document progress on professional development plans in cooperation with the Manager of Education & Inclusion.
• Actively engage in professional development activities.
• Keep the classroom clean and organized.
• Ensure the mobilization and documentation of matching-in-kind activities, goods, and services.
• May require flexibility to stay until all children have been picked up.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• CDA or an associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related degree with early childhood equivalent coursework.
• Experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals and teams.
• Demonstrated successful interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Proven ability to relate sensitively to children.
• Proven ability to keep all required information strictly confidential.
• Must participate in professional development training, including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification.

Qualifications

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages).
• If in North Carolina, holding a Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Physical Requirements: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5-10 pounds constantly. Activities include sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping. Includes repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding, and computer use.
• Clear pre-employment background check requirements (criminal records, sex offender registries, employment/education verifications, child abuse registry if required).
• Pass all state and local health requirements.
• May require operating a motor vehicle. Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment if qualified.