Teacher Early HS I

About the Role

Save the Children is seeking an Early Head Start Teacher to develop and implement educational plans for infants and toddlers, promoting social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. In collaboration with a co-Teacher, you will manage daily classroom operations, ensure legal compliance, and build strong partnerships with families to maintain high program quality. You will report to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with a co-Teacher, develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities to improve children's readiness for preschool.
• Guide and facilitate children's activities, including daily classroom activities and field trips.
• Select and set up classroom equipment and materials, ensuring a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Practice responsive caregiving to promote relational learning and integrate individualized and small group activities into a flexible schedule.
• Plan and conduct a minimum of 2 parent/caregiver conferences and 2 home visits (or more as needed) to discuss child's progress, routines, activities, and behavior, and to assist parents in developing observational skills.
• 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 the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques.
• Ensure the playground is safe and use it as an extension of the classroom.
• Assist children during mealtimes, teaching social, self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• Ensure children's physical needs are met, assisting with health and personal habits (resting, brushing teeth, diapering, toilet habits).
• Engage parents in their children's education through classroom involvement and home activities.
• Create an annual inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies.
• Work with the Manager of Education & Inclusion to develop and document progress on professional development plans and 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 are picked up.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Minimum of a 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 successfully communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels.
• Demonstrated successful interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow established 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications

• Physical Requirements: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work (up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, up to 5-10 pounds constantly), involving sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, repetitive action and motion, keyboarding, and computer use.
• Clear pre-employment background check requirements, including criminal records checks, sex offender registries, employment and education verifications, and child abuse registry checks.
• Pass all state and local health requirements post job offer and prior to employment.
• May require operating a motor vehicle, maintaining a valid driver’s license, and compliance with motor vehicle policies.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.