Early Head Start Teacher

Job title: Early Head Start Teacher

About the Role

The Early Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual and group educational plans for infants and toddlers to promote social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. In each Early Head Start classroom, two teachers collaborate with Program Aides and Volunteers to lead child development activities. You will oversee daily operations in collaboration with a co-Teacher, ensure regulatory compliance, foster strong family partnerships, and uphold high program quality. You will report to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion.

What You'll Do

• In collaboration with a co-Teacher, develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities that promote all developmental areas and preschool readiness.
• Guide and facilitate daily classroom activities and field trips.
• Select and set up equipment and materials; maintain a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Practice responsive caregiving to promote relational learning; include individualized and small group activities within a flexible learning schedule.
• Plan and conduct conferences (minimum 2) and home visits (minimum 2) to inform parents/caregivers about their child’s development, routines, activities, and behavior; assist parents in developing observational skills.
• Maintain accurate records (paper and designated online systems) and uphold confidentiality.
• Plan, conduct, and document observations, assessments, and screenings; maintain a portfolio for each child with weekly observations and work samples.
• Work with Program Aides and Volunteers to develop their skills in planning and delivering classroom activities.
• Ensure child safety through active supervision and safe playground practices.
• Eat with children during meals to model social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Attend to the physical needs of children (resting, brushing teeth, diapering, toilet habits).
• Engage parents in education through classroom involvement and home activities.
• Maintain an annual inventory of classroom equipment and supplies.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Education & Inclusion on professional development plans and participate in development activities to increase qualifications.
• Keep the classroom clean and organized.
• Facilitate mobilization and documentation of in-kind contributions.
• May need to stay until all children are picked up by a parent/legal guardian.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum of an associate degree in child development, early childhood education or a related degree with coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood education; experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels to provide high-quality services to children and families.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; good problem solving and time management.
• Ability to follow established directions and take initiative.
• Knowledge of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Ability to relate sensitively to children.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Willingness to participate in professional development including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.

Nice to Have

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English plus other languages used by children and families).
• In North Carolina, Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary and benefits not disclosed in the posting.