Early Head Start Teacher

Save the Children 2022•Concord, NC

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 each child’s developmental stage. Working with a co-Teacher and with support from Program Aides and Volunteers, the Teacher manages the daily operations of an Early Head Start classroom, ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, builds strong partnerships with families, and supports high program quality. The position reports to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion. As a frontline representative of Save the Children, the Teacher is responsible for the safety and security of children and families encountered and is expected to uphold the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. Duties include planning and leading classroom and outdoor learning activities, maintaining a safe and developmentally appropriate environment, partnering with families, documenting children’s progress, supporting staff and volunteers, and meeting classroom and program requirements. Work may require staying until all children have been picked up by a parent or legal guardian.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher in child development, early childhood education, or a related degree with early childhood equivalent coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with 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, in providing high-quality services to children and families.
Successful interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, including problem-solving and time-management skills.
Ability to follow established and communicated directions and take initiative.
Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
Ability to relate sensitively to children.
Ability to keep required information strictly confidential.
Participation in professional development training, including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work: exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5–10 pounds constantly; perform activities such as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping; and perform repetitive motions, keyboarding, and computer use.
Pass required pre-employment background checks, including applicable criminal records, sex offender registry, employment, education, and child abuse registry checks, as well as state and local health requirements after a job offer and before employment.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with Save the Children motor vehicle safety policies if required to operate a motor vehicle for essential job functions.

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 vacancies for which they are qualified.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities with a co-Teacher to support children’s developmental areas and preschool readiness.
Guide and facilitate children’s daily classroom activities and field trips.
Select and set up classroom equipment and materials and maintain a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Use responsive caregiving, relational learning, individualized and small-group activities, and appropriate routines within a flexible schedule.
Plan and conduct at least two conferences and two home visits, or more as needed, to inform parents or caregivers about children’s progress, routines, activities, and behavior, and help parents 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, including weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
Work with Program Aides and Volunteers to develop their skills in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
Protect children through active supervision and ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised.
Use the playground as an extension of the classroom and ensure it is safe.
Eat with and assist children during mealtimes to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
Meet children’s physical needs and assist with health and personal habits, including rest, tooth brushing, diapering, and toilet habits.
Engage parents in their children’s education through 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.
Stay until all children have been picked up by a parent or legal guardian when required.
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 the company matching 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.
Employee Rewards Program with annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
Wellness benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free and 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.