Head Start Teacher

The Head Start Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment. This role involves planning and executing a curriculum that targets the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children ages 3 to 5. The Lead Teacher collaborates with assistant teachers, family service staff, and parents to support both classroom learning and family engagement.

Skills & Competencies

• Classroom Mastery: Solid knowledge of the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) and ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale).
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for engaging with families, colleagues, and administration.
• Technology: Proficient in using digital platforms for tracking developmental data, attendance, and lesson planning.
• Adaptability: Empathetic, patient, flexible, and possesses a "team-player" mentality.

Key Responsibilities

• Instruction & Curriculum:
• Plan, organize, and implement individualized, research-based lessons and learning experiences using the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Develop students' language, vocabulary, literacy, early math, early science, and problem-solving skills.
• Utilize classroom observation tools (such as CLASS) to maintain high-quality teacher-child interactions.
• Classroom Management:
• Establish and maintain a clean, safe, and healthy learning environment.
• Coordinate daily classroom routines, managing transition times, and guide student behavior using positive redirection and trauma-informed practices.
• Mentor, guide, and collaborate with Assistant Teachers, Aides, and classroom volunteers.
• Assessment & Compliance:
• Conduct ongoing developmental assessments, screeners, and maintain comprehensive, organized student files to meet regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure the classroom conforms to DHS, NAEYC, and federal Head Start Performance Standards.
• Family & Community Engagement:
• Foster positive, mutually respectful partnerships with parents, positioning them as their child’s primary educator.
• Conduct required home visits and parent-teacher conferences to share developmental progress and milestones.

Education & Certification

• Assistant Teacher Minimum Requirement: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development Associates (CDA), or an Associate Degree in an education related field with coursework equivalent to a major in ECE.
• Lead Teacher Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• Active Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively interact with young children (this includes bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and standing for long periods).
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds in case of emergency situations.
• Must pass federal, state, and local background checks, physical exams, and drug screenings.

• Paid Leave
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development