Teacher I

For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right to a healthy start in life, access to education, and a safe environment, protected from harm. We work in over 100 countries, including the U.S. When you join Save the Children, you’re creating positive, irreversible change for children and the future we all share.

About the Role

The Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual and group educational plans for preschool children, designed to promote social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. You will be responsible for the general, day-to-day operations of a Head Start classroom and must verify legal compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. You will create and nurture strong partnerships with families and ensure program quality remains at the highest standards. You will report directly to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion. You may also supervise Teacher Assistants and seek support in the classroom from Program Aides and Volunteers.

As a front-line representative of Save the Children, you are required to ensure the safety and security of children and families, adhering to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans as well as educational activities that promote all developmental areas to improve the readiness of children for school.
• Ensure there is a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Build effective relationships within the organization, the children, and their families.
• Maintain accurate records, both on paper and in designated online systems, while preserving confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Plan, conduct, and document observations, assessments, and screenings.
• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, examples of the child's work, and developmental assessments.
• Keep manager informed of important issues.
• Work with the Assistant Teacher, Program Aides, and Volunteers to develop their skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
• Engage with children during all activities throughout the day and provide constant supervision indoors and outdoors to ensure a safe environment.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom and ensure its safety.
• Provide a balanced program of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities, including individual, small group, and large group learning activities.
• Eat with and assist children during mealtime to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Ensure the physical needs of children are met, assisting with health and personal habits such as resting, brushing teeth, diapering, and toilet habits.
• Create ways to engage parents in the education of their children, including encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
• Create an inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies annually.
• Plan and conduct a minimum of two conferences and two home visits (or more as needed) to ensure parents/caregivers are well informed on their child’s progress in development, routines, activities, and behavior.
• Work in cooperation with the Manager of Education & Inclusion to develop and document progress on professional development plans; actively engage in professional development activities to increase qualifications.
• Work closely with management to ensure the program complies with the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Maintain a constant state of alertness to protect children’s safety by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
• Ensure the mobilization and documentation of matching-in-kind activities, goods, and services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of an associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related degree with early childhood equivalent coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels—whether internal or external—in the provision of high-quality services to children and families.
• Demonstrated successful interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; great problem-solving and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow established and communicated directions and take initiative.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Proven ability to relate sensitively to children.
• Proven ability to keep all required information strictly confidential.
• Must participate in professional development training, including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, including activities such as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping.
• Repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding, and computer use.
• Clear pre-employment background check requirements, including local, state, and national criminal records check, sex offender registries, employment, and education verifications (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and pass all state and local health requirements required post job offer and prior to employment.
• Valid driver’s license and compliance with Save the Children policies pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages used by children and families).
• If in North Carolina, holding a Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure preferred.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Benefits

• Paid time off: 10 days winter break, 5 days spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays per year.
• Health: Competitive health care, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with company match for contributions if enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health care and dependent care options.
• Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits (AD&D).
• Parental/adoption and fertility benefits.
• Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year).
• Wellness benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships.
• Certification and tuition assistance.