Early Head Start Teacher

Community Action of South Mississippi • Vancleave, MS

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About The Position

The Early Head Start (EHS) 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 applicable local, state, and agency policies and procedures.

The role involves frequent movement in the classroom and facility, working on the floor and outdoors with children, and keeping pace with their energy levels. The teacher must supervise and monitor children continuously, recognize hazards, and respond quickly to maintain safety. The position also involves accompanying children on field trips, assisting them on and off buses, and helping them cross streets.

The teacher applies early childhood development theory, with a focus on infants and toddlers, in daily activities and adapts to children’s individual needs. The role requires strong communication, customer service, and professional etiquette, as well as proficiency with computers and office technology.

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.
• Proficient computer and keyboard skills, and ability to use office technology such as telephones and fax machines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate in person and by telephone.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Superior customer service skills and professional etiquette.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods; perform activities on the floor and outdoors; keep pace with children; and lift children weighing 50 pounds or more when required.
• Ability to perceive sound at normal speaking levels, with or without correction.
• Ability to use repetitive wrist, hand, or finger motions while operating standard office equipment.

Responsibilities

• Encourage children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of children and supervise and monitor them at all times.
• Promote family engagement in all aspects of the program.
• Meet Federal Head Start Performance Standards and applicable local, state, and agency policies and procedures.
• Apply early childhood development theory, focusing on infants and toddlers, in daily activities and adapt to individual children’s needs.
• Recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action, including moving quickly to respond to children who may need restraint or redirection for safety.
• Accompany children on field trips and assist them on and off buses and when crossing streets.

What This Job Offers

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