Early Head Start Teacher

About the Role

This position involves working in an Early Head Start preschool classroom setting, focusing on the development and well-being of infants and toddlers. The role requires collaboration with education staff, parents, and community members to implement a meaningful curriculum that meets individual child and program goals.

Responsibilities

• Attend all required training, workshops, and staff meetings.
• Stay updated on Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, DFPS Child Care licensing regulations, IDEA, Part C/Early On, FERPA, and HIPAA.
• Work as a team member with education staff, parents, and Parent Committee members to implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Collaborate with parents to support the growth and development of their children, promoting positive attachment.
• Model appropriate communication skills, guidance techniques, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Continue professional growth through training sessions and early childhood education classes.
• Plan and implement a developmentally and linguistically appropriate curriculum (Frog Street Infants & Toddlers).
• Document and provide Part C Service Coordination for children with special needs.
• Plan learning experiences that strengthen intellectual and physical competencies, supporting school readiness through literacy, phonemic awareness, and numeracy.
• Implement education lesson plans based on observation and recording of children’s interests and developmental progress.
• Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance and discipline.
• Participate in family-style mealtimes to model good nutrition and social skills.
• Observe, screen, assess, and document children’s development, health, dental, and social-emotional well-being.
• Refer families to local service agencies when additional support is needed.
• Report suspected instances of child abuse as required by law.
• Participate in eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance processes.
• Accurately submit paperwork and progress reports to supervisors.
• Maintain complete record-keeping systems for each child’s developmental progress, behavior, health, and parental concerns.
• Gather and maintain individual, family, and classroom data for documentation and program planning.
• Understand and document In-Kind and other allowable costs for non-federal share requirements.
• Establish positive relationships with families, focusing on trust and rapport.
• Facilitate and support monthly Parent Committee meetings at the center.
• Schedule and arrange parent-teacher conferences and home visits.
• Involve parents in educational activities and emphasize their role as primary caregivers.
• Identify and arrange for parents to participate as volunteers in the classroom.
• Collect monthly In-Kind records from parents and submit reports.
• Promote Early Head Start in the community.
• Supervise classroom volunteers, including parents.
• Work closely with community agencies for shared activities, recruitment, and transition.

Requirements

• High School degree or GED, and CDA (Child Development Associate) certification.
• Obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Preferred: 2 years of related experience in an Early Head Start preschool classroom setting.
• Hiring preference for current or former Head Start employees, students, and parents if qualified.
• Preferred: Bilingual (Spanish).
• Ability to work in diverse environments.
• Extensive knowledge and skills in early childhood development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel, ability to access email, and willingness to learn new programs.
• Ability to supervise classroom staff and volunteers.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to child abuse, neglect, and DFPS Child Care licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of local resources and families’ cultures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement classroom activities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate records.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and positive attitude in early childhood education.
• Patience and tact when communicating with children, families, staff, and the public.
• Professionalism in daily activities.
• Ability to read and follow Performance Standards, Program Policies & Procedures, and DFPS regulations.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, serving, and sanitation procedures.
• Knowledge of current car seat safety regulations.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds.
• Ability to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage in physical play.
• Ability to handle exposure to communicable diseases, hazards, and moderate to loud noise levels.
• Ability and consent for up to 50% travel, including overnight stays for conferences and meetings.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for events such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, and community events.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Complete and pass a health examination.
• Confirm work eligibility status.
• Successfully pass a driving history check and clear criminal background check.