The Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual and group educational plans for preschool children, designed to promote social-emotional, physical and cognitive growth in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. This position is responsible for the general, day-to-day operations of a Head Start classroom and must verify legal compliance with federal, state and local regulations. The Head Start Teacher creates and nurtures strong partnerships with families and ensures that the program quality remains at the highest standards.
The Head Start Teacher reports directly to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion. This position may also supervise Teacher Assistants and seek support in the classroom from Program Aides and Volunteers.
As a front line representative of Save the Children, the 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, Collaborations, Creativity and Integrity.
As a Save the Children employee who will come 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. The position must take positive steps to protect children who may be a subject of concern and report, respond to any instance of child abuse, and promote training and awareness around all child-safeguarding obligations.
- Develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans as well as educational activities that promote all developmental areas to improve the readiness of children for school.
- Ensure there is a safe, healthy and developmentally-appropriate learning environment.
- 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 the Assistant Teacher, Program Aides and Volunteers to develop their skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
- Engage with children during all activities throughout the day. Provide constant supervision of children during all learning activities indoors and outdoors and ensure safe environment.
- Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure the playground is safe.
- Provide a balanced program of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities and opportunities for individual, small group and large group learning activities.
- 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.
- Create ways to engage parents in the education of their children including encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
- Create an inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies annually.
- Plan and conduct conferences (minimum 2) and home visits (minimum 2) or more often as needed to ensure parent/caregiver is well informed on their child’s progress of development and learning, routines, activities and behavior.
- 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.
- This position must have the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and protect the children’s safety by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
- Ensure the mobilization and documentation of matching-in-kind activities, goods and services.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Make routine decisions around day-to-day execution of the job. Good time management and organizational skills. Work closely with management to ensure program compliments Head Start Program Performance Standards. Keep manager informed of important issues. Build effective relationships within the organization, the children and their families.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; great problem solving and time management skills. Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
- Experience working with preschool-aged children.
- Ability to work collaboratively with Assistant Teacher, other staff, parents 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).
- If in North Carolina, holding a Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure preferred.
- Aetna Medical and Dental insurance with a concierge service
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Holidays
What makes us special!
- Generous Retirement Savings with matching company contributions
- Pet Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Identity Protection, Home, Auto and additional Life insurances
- Leadership and Employee Development Training, including:
- Our remarkable in-house CORE, Senior Management Development, and Leadership Development Programs
- Language learning opportunities
- Continuous Improvement skill development programs
- Brown Bag information sharing sessions