Master Teacher

About the Role

CPLC's Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs are committed to giving every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, an opportunity to succeed in school and life. The Master Teacher I supports staff development and service delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education for children aged 0-5 in CPLC ECD Programs. This role serves as a site-based Master Teacher I, floating between assigned classrooms to cover staff shortages, assist with assessment data, lesson planning, and curriculum implementation. The position works as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide education, health, and social service support to children and families, following all state and federal regulations, including the revised Head Start Program Performance Standards (issued 8/2024), Head Start Act, Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Licensing, and CPLC ECD Content Area Plans and Procedures.

Active supervision of children by sight and sound in all environments is required, along with maintaining health and safety regulations to create an optimum learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate competency in providing effective nurturing teacher-child interactions.
• Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment.
• Promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners.
• Record daily observations for each classroom or home visit.
• Maintain complete records on each child’s educational and developmental progress, including written observations, learning plans, individual goals, and learning experiences when functioning as a substitute.
• Use data to make informed decisions for learning experiences.
• Facilitate health practices to keep children safe in school bus, outdoor, and indoor environments.
• Engage in ongoing monitoring, professional development, and program management related to safety, development, learning, social-emotional and physical care, school readiness, and home-school connections.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree (required) or bachelor’s degree (preferred) in Child Development, Early Childhood Education (ECE), or related field.
• Six months of experience teaching preschool-aged children.
• Experience teaching preschool and/or infant/toddler age children is highly preferred.
• Basic keyboard skills and ability to use computer software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe) and web-based systems.
• Pass a criminal background check, including Child Abuse and Neglect register check, and obtain Level One fingerprint clearance per Office of Head Start and state licensing requirements.
• Successfully complete pre-employment physical, TB test or chest x-ray, and TDAP vaccination.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and proof of insurance in the state of residence.
• First Aid and CPR certified or obtain certification within the first 6 months of employment.
• Obtain Food Handler’s card upon hire.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Classroom Assessment Observation System (CLASS) reliable observer.
• Training in Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum and/or Inter-rater reliability in Teaching Strategies Gold.
• Training in Center of Social & Emotional Foundation Early Learning Center (CSEFEL) Positive Behavior Support.
• Experience with Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS), Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scale (ITERS), or Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).
• Documentation of ongoing professional development as required by state licensing boards, Head Start Act, and Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Benefits

• Generous paid holidays.
• Employee Recognition Program.
• Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Days.
• Free preventative services and wellness rewards.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for spouse/domestic partner and children up to age 26.
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account.
• Life and disability insurance options.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Telemedicine and concierge services.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Pet care, Life Mart purchase discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees.
• Mileage and cell reimbursement for qualifying roles.
• Identity theft protection and voluntary benefits.