HS Teacher - Goodwill

Under the direction of the Site Manager, the Teacher serves as the primary caregiver for one group of children in the Head Start classroom.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience with preschool age (3-5).
• CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.
• Experience working in a non-profit is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform according to the standards set forth by Head Start, NAEYC, CWLA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing, and Porter-Leath.
• Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children, including children with special needs.
• Plan daily activities of enrichment and care for one classroom of children according to Head Start, NAEYC, Tennessee Day Care Licensing, and Porter-Leath standards.
• Implement intentional, research-based curriculum (Creative Curriculum and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF)), using ongoing assessment to individualize instruction for diverse learners.
• Provide instructional leadership and serve as a role model for best practices in early childhood education, ensuring classroom fidelity to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), NAEYC, and state licensing regulations.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal monitoring protocols and performance benchmarks, contributing to program-wide success in federal reviews.
• Cooperatively work with other staff members to create a positive environment for children, families, and staff.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain accurate records of attendance, meal counts, educational and developmental data (including assessments, screeners, and anecdotal notes) in compliance with federal reporting and school readiness goals; ensure documentation is audit-ready for ongoing monitoring.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring a coordinated plan of care for each family.
• Act as a mentor to families as their child’s first teacher and support best parenting practices.
• Independently plan and conduct structured home visits that align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, strengthening family engagement and goal-setting in alignment with child development plans.
• Keep Supervisor informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.
• Conduct ongoing child evaluations, screeners, and assessments.
• Implement and track individualized education plan (IEP) goals and behavior referrals/support plans in coordination with education and health personnel and mental health consultants, ensuring equitable and inclusive classroom practices.
• Provide a safe and conducive environment for all children to learn.
• Familiarity with and implementation of Conscious Discipline strategies and techniques to support positive teacher/child interactions and social-emotional growth of all children.
• Implement the Pyramid Model to identify appropriate classroom management techniques.
• Attend meetings as necessary to support student development and promote student outcomes.
• Develop trusting relationships within a client’s home.
• Work as a team player and interact/assist all employees as necessary.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Knowledge of and ability to implement developmentally appropriate programs for preschool child care.
• Effective oral and written communication skills to engage with diverse groups.
• Sincere desire to make a difference in the community and develop professional skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, staff, and families from diverse backgrounds, including children with special needs.
• Ability to work effectively and positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and ongoing education (workshops, conferences, training sessions, etc.).
• Ability to provide a continuum of care to children ages three (3) to five (5).
• Ability to handle sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.
• Ability to follow through on directives in a timely manner and maintain flexibility in scheduling.
• Ability to keep accurate student records and education files.
• Ability to forge mutually respectful partnerships with families, with a conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Ability to set limits, maintain the helping role, and intervene appropriately to meet the needs of children and families.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Occasionally required to stand and walk.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close and color vision.
• Work in a non-smoking environment.

Special Conditions

• Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and appropriate level of insurance.
• Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid training/certification within 90 days of employment.

Pay

$18.02 - $24.77 per hour