EHS Teacher

Wesley Community Center, Inc.•Houston, TX

9d•$15 - $16•Onsite

About The Position

Early Head Start Teachers provide a safe, educationally stimulating, and nurturing environment for children at Wesley Community Center’s Early Head Start Center. The role includes planning and delivering age-appropriate indoor and outdoor learning experiences that support children’s social, language, cognitive, and physical development, literacy, self-esteem, and self-help skills. Teachers assess children’s progress, communicate with families, maintain safe and hygienic classroom spaces, and complete developmental screenings and assessments. They also conduct required home visits and parent-teacher conferences. Teachers help create a warm and stimulating learning environment, support attendance and meal routines, guide parent volunteers, participate in program events and health and nutrition screenings, and attend required meetings and training. The position is primarily classroom-based and involves working collaboratively with infants, toddlers, families, and other staff. A flexible schedule may include evenings and weekends when needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CDA (Child Development Associate) Certification in an Infant and Toddler Center-Based Setting, or ability to complete the CDA within six months of hire.
At least six months of experience working in an infant/toddler setting or other childcare experience.
Knowledge of best practices in early childhood education, child development theory, and generally recognized minimum standards of care and education for children's developmental needs.
Ability to write and speak clearly and informatively with children, parents, coworkers, and supervisors.
Ability to recognize and record significant individual and group behaviors or changes in children.
Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
Customer-service orientation and ability to manage difficult or emotional client situations calmly and effectively and work respectfully and impartially with diverse populations.
Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively, build positive professional rapport with clients and staff, and work constructively and cooperatively in a team environment.
Ability to clearly communicate and use active listening and problem-solving skills.
Physical exam and TB test with results within 90 days of hire.
Ability to stand, walk, reach, and bend; lift and carry at least 25 pounds unassisted.
Availability for a flexible schedule, with primary operating hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and possible weekend work in support of program services and special events.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Child Development, Infant and Toddler (center-based).
Bilingual Spanish/English skills; described as very helpful.
One year or more of experience working in an Early Head Start Center.

Responsibilities

Provide developmentally and age-appropriate indoor and outdoor learning activities that promote children's social, language, cognitive, and physical development, literacy, self-esteem, and self-help skills.
Plan and prepare healthy, safe activities and supplies according to lesson plans.
Evaluate children's progress and communicate regularly with parents.
Maintain proper hygiene for children, equipment, and childcare spaces.
Report suspected neglect, abuse, and medical conditions or illnesses to a supervisor.
Administer the Brigance Developmental screening within 45 days of enrollment and conduct the GOLD Assessment.
Conduct required home visits and parent-teacher conferences for children enrolled in the center-based program.
Establish and maintain a healthy, warm, nurturing, safe, and stimulating learning environment.
Ensure parents sign children in on required attendance sheets; label children's belongings and ensure belongings are picked up at the end of the session.
Serve family-style meals or snacks while promoting good nutrition and food safety.
Give directions to parent volunteers completing classroom practicum.
Participate in preparation for programmatic special events and in health and nutrition screenings.
Transport materials, supplies, and equipment when required.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and required training sessions.
Work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings and weekends when necessary.
Physically respond to children's needs and move children or classroom equipment as required.
Support Wesley Community Center's mission and core values of integrity, excellence, and commitment, and perform other duties as assigned.