Teacher Early HS I

Save the Children 2022•Melville, LA

About The Position

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 appropriate to their developmental stages. Working with a co-Teacher, Program Aides, and Volunteers, the teacher leads child development activities and oversees the classroom’s day-to-day operations while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The role also includes building partnerships with families, maintaining high program quality, and helping ensure the safety and security of children and families in accordance with Save the Children’s values.

Requirements

Minimum of a CDA or an associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related degree with early-childhood coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood education, plus experience teaching preschool-age children.
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels, internally and externally, to provide high-quality services to children and families.
Successful interpersonal, communication, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Ability to follow established directions and take initiative.
Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
Ability to relate sensitively to children.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of required information.
Participation in professional development training, including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
Meet pre-employment background-check requirements, including applicable criminal-record, sex-offender registry, employment, education, and child-abuse registry checks, and pass applicable state and local health requirements after a job offer and before employment.
If required to operate a motor vehicle for essential job functions, maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with Save the Children motor-vehicle policies.
Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work: exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5–10 pounds constantly, including sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping; duties also include repetitive motions, keyboarding, and computer use.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability, preferably English/Spanish or English and another language used by children and families.
For positions in North Carolina, Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure is preferred.
Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents receive preference for qualified employment vacancies.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities that promote child development and preschool readiness.
Guide and facilitate children’s activities, including classroom activities and field trips.
Select and set up classroom equipment and materials, and maintain a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Practice responsive caregiving and integrate appropriate routines into flexible learning experiences.
Plan and conduct at least two conferences and two home visits, or more as needed, to inform parents or caregivers about children’s development, learning, routines, activities, and behavior, and help them develop observational skills.
Maintain accurate paper and online records and protect the confidentiality of children and families.
Plan, conduct, and document observations, assessments, and screenings; maintain an ongoing portfolio for each child that includes weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
Support Program Aides and Volunteers in developing skills for planning and carrying out classroom activities.
Use active supervision to ensure children are never left alone or unsupervised, and ensure the playground is safe.
Eat with and assist children during mealtimes to support social and self-help skills and sound nutrition practices.
Meet children’s physical needs by assisting with rest, toothbrushing, diapering, and toilet habits.
Engage parents in their children’s education, including encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
Inventory classroom equipment and supplies annually.
Work with the Manager of Education & Inclusion to develop and document progress on professional development plans, and participate in professional development activities.
Keep the classroom clean and organized.
Mobilize and document matching-in-kind activities, goods, and services.
Remain as needed until all children have been picked up by a parent or legal guardian.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Paid time off: 10 days of winter break, 5 days of spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays, and 2 floating holidays per year.
Competitive health care, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Health Savings Account option for employees enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan, with an employer match for a portion of contributions.
Flexible Spending Account options for health care and dependent care.
Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
Parental/adoption and fertility benefits.
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
Wellness support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Access to internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.