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. Current or former Head Start employees, students, and parents will receive hiring preference if qualified. Bilingual (Spanish) candidates are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend all required training, including online sessions, workshops, and staff meetings.
• Stay updated on Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, DFPS Child Care licensing regulations, IDEA, Part C/Early On, and other applicable practices.
• Work as a team member with education staff, parents, and Parent Committee members to implement a meaningful curriculum that meets individual child and program goals.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff in accordance with policies, FERPA, and HIPAA.
• Collaborate with parents to support the growth and development of their children and promote positive attachment between caregivers, children, and families.
• Model appropriate communication skills, guidance techniques, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Supervise all classroom and outdoor activities, ensuring a safe and purposeful program responsive to children’s needs.
• Plan and implement a developmentally and linguistically appropriate curriculum (Frog Street Infants & Toddlers) for infants and toddlers.
• Document and provide Part C Service Coordination for children with special needs, communicating efforts with the Director of Family Engagement and Managers.
• Support social-emotional development, literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills through enriched language and learning experiences.
• Observe, screen, assess, and document children’s development, health, and social-emotional well-being using appropriate tools and timelines.
• Refer families to local service agencies when additional support is needed and report suspected instances of child abuse as required by law.
• Participate in eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance processes.
• Submit accurate paperwork, progress reports, and maintain complete record-keeping systems for each child’s developmental progress, behavior, and health.
• Gather and maintain individual, family, and classroom data for documentation, assessment, 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, and involve parents in educational activities.
• Facilitate monthly Parent Committee meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and home visits.
• Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom and participate in program activities.
• Collect monthly In-Kind records from parents and submit reports to supervisors.
• Supervise classroom volunteers, including parents, and work closely with community agencies for shared activities and recruitment.
• Promote Early Head Start positively in the community.

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.
• Extensive knowledge and skills in early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, ability to access email, and willingness to learn new programs.
• Ability to supervise classroom staff, volunteers, and children effectively.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to child abuse, neglect, and DFPS Child Care licensing requirements.
• Understanding of local resources and families’ cultures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement classroom activities while maintaining confidentiality.
• Strong communication skills and patience when interacting with children, families, staff, and the public.
• Professionalism in daily activities and ability to follow Performance Standards, Program Policies, and Procedures.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, serving, and sanitation procedures.
• Familiarity with current car seat safety regulations for transporting children.
• Physical ability to lift 60 pounds, stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage in physical play.
• Ability to handle moderate to loud noise levels and exposure to communicable diseases, cigarette smoke, pets, and at-risk neighborhoods.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% (by car, bus, airplane, or train) for conferences, meetings, or other duties, including overnight travel.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for events such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, or community activities.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a driving history check.
• Complete and pass a health examination and confirm work eligibility status.
• Clear criminal background check.

Skills

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate social-emotional development for infants and toddlers.
• Experience with environmental rating scales and implementing assessment screenings.
• Familiarity with screenings, assessment, and evaluation instruments for early childhood development.
• Ability to implement education lesson plans and individualize instruction based on children’s needs and interests.
• Commitment to professional growth through training, ECE classes, and staying updated on early childhood theories and practices.