The Early Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual and group educational plans for infants and toddlers, designed to promote social-emotional, physical and cognitive growth in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. In each Early Head Start classroom, two Early Head Start Teachers work together to lead child development activities with support from Program Aides and Volunteers.
In collaboration with a Co-Teacher, this position is responsible for the general, day-to-day operations of the Early Head Start classroom, verifying legal compliance with federal, state and local regulations. The Teacher creates and nurtures strong partnerships with families and ensures that program quality is of the highest standards. The Teacher reports directly to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion.
In addition, the Early Head Start Teacher assists families in identifying and reaching their own goals. In collaboration with families, other program team members and community partners, the Early Head Start Teacher supports families in developing skills for leadership and advocacy for their children. Working closely with the Manager/Specialist of Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PFCE), this position documents all family development services to show a clear picture of the families’ needs, strengths and growth.
As a frontline representative of Save the Children, the Early Head Start Teacher is required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she comes in contact with, adhering to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.
As a Save the Children employee who comes into contact with children on a routine basis, you are expected to prevent child abuse in every situation by striving, through mental awareness, good practice and training, to minimize risk to children. You must take positive steps to protect children who may be a subject of concern and report and respond to any instance of child abuse and promote training and awareness around all child safeguarding obligations.
- In collaboration with a Co-Teacher, develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities that promote all developmental areas to improve the readiness of children for preschool.
- Guide and facilitate activities of the children including daily classroom activities and field trips.
- Select and set up equipment and materials in the classroom and ensure a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
- Practice responsive caregiving to promote relational learning and include individualized and small group activities that integrate appropriate routines into a flexible schedule of learning experiences.
- Plan and conduct conferences (minimum 2) and home visits (minimum of 2) or more often as needed to ensure parents/caregiver is well informed on their child’s progress of development and learning, routines, activities and behavior and 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 including weekly observations, examples of the child's work and developmental assessments.
- Work with Program Aides and Volunteers to develop their skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
- Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
- Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure that the playground is safe.
- Eat with and assist children in eating during mealtime to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
- Ensure that the physical needs of children are met, assisting children in health and personal habits, such as resting, brushing teeth, diapering and toilet habits.
- Work in cooperation with Manager/Specialist of PFCE to engage families as full partners in assessing their needs and strengths, and prioritizing their needs and interests according to their own values; ensure there is an appropriate fit between families’ needs and interests and program services.
- Support each family in developing a Family Partnership Agreement so the family is able to understand and use goal development as a valuable life skill.
- Make and consistently follow up on referrals related to: Family Partnership Agreement goals, strengths/needs assessment items, children with special needs, family health, job and education services and other services related to wellness and family sustainability.
- Create ways to engage parents in the education of their children such as encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
- Create an inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies annually.
- Work in cooperation with Manager of Education & Inclusion to develop and document progress on professional development plan; actively engage in professional development activities to increase qualifications.
- Keep classroom clean and organized.
- Ensure the mobilization and documentation of matching-in-kind activities, goods and services.
- Work may require the flexibility to stay until all children have been pick up by parent/legal guardian.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Within first six months of employment, must hold a Family Services Credential.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; great problem solving and time management skills. Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
- Experience working with infants and toddlers.
- Ability to work collaboratively with parents, other staff and community partners in the provision of high-quality services to children and families.
- Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/ Early Head Start program.
- Ability to relate sensitively with children.
- Ability to keep all information strictly confidential.
- Must participate in professional development training including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages used by children and families).
- Associate or Baccalaureate degree in child development, early childhood or related field** with a focus on infant and toddler development is preferred.
- If in North Carolina, holding a Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure preferred.