Early Head Start Teacher
About This Role
We seek a compassionate, dedicated Infant/Toddler Teacher to join our team, fostering a nurturing environment where infants and toddlers thrive while building strong relationships with families.
What You'll Do
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a safe, engaging learning environment for infants and toddlers.
- Create individualized learning plans based on observations and developmental assessments.
- Support children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through age-appropriate routines and activities.
- Maintain positive relationships with children and families while supporting parent-child bonding and family engagement.
- Communicate daily with parents and participate in parent-teacher conferences and family activities.
- Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities while maintaining required staff-to-child ratios.
- Promote positive guidance and classroom management techniques.
- Follow health, sanitation, diapering, feeding, and safety procedures in accordance with Early Head Start guidelines.
- Maintain accurate documentation, child records, developmental screenings, and assessment data.
- Collaborate with staff, therapists, and family service workers to support children with special needs and individualized goals.
- Participate in home visits, trainings, meetings, and ongoing professional development.
- Assist with classroom organization, cleanliness, and daily operations.
Requirements
- A degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); or related degree preferred. Minimum Infant / Toddler CDA Credential and have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development with a focus on infant/toddler development.
- Minimum of one year’s experience teaching infants / toddlers.
- Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
- Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
- Must agree to pre-employment background check. \Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and available transportation for work-related duties with mileage reimbursed.
- Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
- Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Retirement Plan
- Tuition Assistance
About Us
Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves more than 700 children ages 0-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive support to access free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.
Our employees have access to:
· Up to 14 paid holidays per year
· Sick leave and Personal time
· Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan
· Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System
· Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.