Early Head Start Teacher

Community Action of South Mississippi • Gautier, MS

23h

About The Position

The Early Head Start Teacher encourages the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children and is responsible for their safety and welfare. The teacher promotes family engagement in all aspects of the program and meets the requirements of Federal Head Start Performance Standards and any applicable local, state, and agency policies and procedures.

The role requires active participation in classroom and facility activities, including working on the floor and outdoors with children, accompanying them on field trips, and assisting them on and off the bus and across streets. The teacher must supervise and monitor children at all times, recognize hazards, and respond appropriately to help ensure a safe environment.

Requirements

• Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• At least 6 months of experience working with infants and toddlers in a daycare setting.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate in person and by telephone.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proficient computer and keyboard skills and ability to use office technology such as telephones and fax machines.
• Ability to supervise and monitor children continuously and move quickly to respond to active children, including providing restraint or redirection when needed for safety.
• Ability to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more when required during emergencies or unusual circumstances.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods without undue fatigue and perform activities on the floor and outdoors with children.
• Ability to recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action.
• Superior customer service skills and professional etiquette.
• Ability to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels, with or without correction.
• Ability to perform repetitive wrist, hand, or finger motions while operating standard office equipment.

Responsibilities

• Encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of children.
• Promote family engagement in all aspects of the program.
• Meet Federal Head Start Performance Standards and applicable local, state, and agency policies and procedures.
• Supervise and monitor children at all times and respond to hazards or situations that may threaten their safety.
• Participate in activities with children on the floor and outdoors, and keep pace with their energy level.
• Accompany children on field trips and assist them on and off the bus and when crossing streets.
• Apply early childhood development theory, with a focus on infants and toddlers, in daily activities and adapt to individual children’s needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree