Head Start Teacher

About the role

The Head Start Teacher (Lead Teacher) leads a classroom of 3–4-year-old children, collaborating with an assistant teacher, family members, and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Responsibilities

• Implements a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation to promote development in all domains for children of all abilities.
• Addresses challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes of the behavior, implementing preventive measures, teaching the child new social and communication skills, and partnering with families to support the child at home.
• Uses observations of children and anecdotal notes to document children's progress and individualize curriculum.
• Creates partnerships with families to establish positive interaction patterns in program, school, and home.
• Provides classroom experiences that are developmentally, linguistically, culturally, and age-appropriate for the children served.
• Provides a print-rich environment in which children develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills using increasingly complex language and problem-solving abilities.
• Implements daily lesson plans in response to children’s needs and interests incorporating observations, anecdotal record keeping, knowledge of early childhood development and the key experiences.
• Integrates Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities.
• Provides children with a consistent classroom routine.
• Provides supervision and ensures the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with Head Start and daycare licensing requirements.

Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or equivalent coursework, or otherwise meets the requirements of the Head Start Act.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in a Head Start or similar setting preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with families and community partners.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and best practices.

Skills

• Excellent observational and assessment skills.
• Ability to adapt curriculum to meet individual student needs.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $800 annually.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 4% company match and immediate vesting.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance.
• Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support.
• Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes.
• Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks.

Pay

$47,095 annually.

Schedule

Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment.