Head Start Teacher

Summary

The Head Start Teacher plans and delivers developmentally appropriate learning experiences that promote school readiness for preschool-aged children. This role supports all areas of child development, maintains a safe and engaging classroom, partners with families, supervises support staff, and ensures compliance with Head Start and licensing standards. 

Duties

• Plan and implement daily, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support children's intellectual, physical, and school readiness growth 
• Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and engaging classroom environment 
• Design activities that foster social and emotional development 
• Implement a predetermined curriculum, integrating Head Start content areas including health, nutrition, and parent engagement 
• Observe and document children's development through ongoing assessment and accurate record-keeping 
• Incorporate technology and creative activities to encourage self-expression and exploration 
• Facilitate both indoor and outdoor activities that promote gross and fine motor development 
• Deliver learning experiences that support cognitive, language, and communication development 
• Build strong relationships with families through regular communication, home visits, and parent conferences 
• Contribute to the development and upkeep of Individualized Development Plans (IDPs) and classroom resource materials 
• Supervise and support children during routines such as meals, hygiene, rest, and play 
• Guide, observe, and provide direction to teacher assistants and classroom volunteers 
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and Child Care Licensing Minimum Standards 
• Actively participate in professional development, including required in-service training and workshops 
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom and learning materials 
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field, including at least 18 credit hours in early childhood coursework 
• Proven classroom experience teaching preschool-aged children or students in grades EC–4 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with colleagues, families, and stakeholders 
• Solid understanding of child development and human behavior, with both expressive and receptive language abilities 
• Ability to design and deliver creative, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences 
• Proficient in the use of computers and digital tools for communication, instruction, and documentation 
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with young children and fostering their growth and development 
• Must meet all health and safety requirements, including: 
• Passing a pre-employment and/or periodic physical exam 
• Annual TB screening 
• Background check and renewals as required

About Us

Child Care Associates helps everyone succeed with high-quality early learning and child care. We give each child great learning tools, help their families pay for school, and train early learning teachers. Our whole-child approach focuses not only on education but also health, nutrition, and family support. This makes sure every child who participates in our programs is on a path to a successful future. Child Care Associates continues to support the success of children and families across the community by investing in teachers, quality child care, and better state systems.