Head Start Teacher (Degreed)

ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being, strengthening key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support.

About the role

The classroom Teacher provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child has the opportunity to develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate educational program for each child’s age and language.
• Use Teaching Strategies Cloud to create weekly digital lesson plans promoting cognitive, language, literacy, social, emotional, and physical development, supporting ECS School Readiness Goals.
• Follow the approved daily schedule and implement lesson plans from approved curricula with fidelity.
• Lead learning times consistent with CLASS philosophy and developmentally appropriate practice, demonstrating CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
• Input daily child observation data in TS Gold and individualize for children based on observed needs, support plans, and ongoing data analysis.
• Plan a balanced daily routine encouraging play, exploration, and learning, including teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time.
• Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment by adding new and interesting materials weekly.
• Maintain a warm, nurturing, loving, and positive environment using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline Policy.
• Develop nurturing relationships with each child, encouraging social and emotional development.
• Maintain accurate and complete VPK attendance and submit to Center Manager by the last day of each month (if applicable).
• Ensure parents sign the VPK Parental Choice Certificate at the end of each month (if applicable).
• Maintain all federal, state, local, and accreditation standards (NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF, and Head Start).
• Participate in research initiatives related to early childhood education and development.
• Conduct daily health checks on each child and plan weekly activities promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Follow policies and procedures for medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and administration, handling, and storing of medication.
• Ensure safe practices to prevent injuries and maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures.
• Participate in case management meetings regarding children’s health and development.
• Provide effective communication and relationships with families, encouraging parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
• Attend parent meetings as assigned and inform parents about their children’s progress through notes, learning outcomes, conferences, and home visits.
• Engage parents in developing school readiness goals and guide them in using curriculum activities related to these goals.
• Maintain transition procedures for children moving to another classroom or program.
• Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation, and assist in kitchen duties (if applicable).
• Plan weekly activities promoting good nutrition.
• Provide leadership in following best practices in early childhood education.
• Assist the Center Manager in training, mentoring, and developing the Teacher Aide to create an appropriate classroom environment.
• Work collaboratively with an in-class coach and participate in CLASS evaluation and peer training.
• Communicate regularly with staff, attend meetings and trainings, and maintain a cooperative, positive, and supportive attitude.
• Maintain appropriate record keeping and confidentiality at all times.

Requirements

• DCF 45-hour training and one of the following:
  • Teacher II: Associate degree in child development or early childhood education; or an associate degree in a related field with 30 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months of experience teaching preschool-age children.
  • Teacher III: Baccalaureate degree in child development or early childhood education; or a baccalaureate degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months of experience teaching preschool-age children; or a baccalaureate degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months of experience teaching preschool-age children.
  • Teacher IV: Advanced degree in child development or early childhood education; or an advanced degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months of experience teaching preschool-age children; or an advanced degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months of experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Demonstrated competency to provide effective, nurturing teacher-child interactions and implement learning experiences ensuring curriculum and assessment promote children’s progress across Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and state standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners.
• Ability to provide a supportive, caring environment for children and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
• Willingness and ability to implement approved curriculum and exercise good judgment and emotional maturity.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse staff and families.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize work, and maintain records.
• Willingness to learn and continue personal education.

Skills

• Competency in providing effective teacher-child interactions.
• Planning and implementing learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment.
• Providing a supportive, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with staff and families.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Planning, organizing, and record-keeping.

Certifications

• Complete TB screening and physical before direct contact with children; renew every 2 years.
• Complete online Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
• Current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• Complete a minimum of 25 hours of in-service training annually (July 1 - June 30).

Working Conditions

• Constant visual supervision of children and tolerance of loud noise.
• Environment includes indoor classroom and outdoor playground.
• Requires heavy physical work, including lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds (more than 70% of the job).
• Acceptable eyesight and hearing (with or without correction).
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Background Requirements

A Level II Background Screening (local, state, and federal criminal check) is required for all employees and contracted individuals with contact with children, access to confidential information, or positions of special trust.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Paid holidays.
• Generous paid time off.
• Career development opportunities.
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

$23.95 - $30.12 per hour.