Early Head Start Teacher

Save the Children US•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 their developmental stage. Working with a co-Teacher, the role leads child-development activities with support from Program Aides and Volunteers and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the classroom, compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, family partnerships, and 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 must help ensure the safety and security of children and families and uphold the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Requirements

Minimum 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, and organizational skills, as well as 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.
Must participate in professional development training, including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
Must pass required pre-employment background checks and post-offer state and local health requirements.
May need to operate a motor vehicle for essential job functions; should maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with Save the Children motor vehicle safety policies.

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.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with a co-Teacher to develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities that support all areas of development and preschool readiness.
Guide and facilitate children’s daily classroom activities and field trips.
Select and prepare classroom equipment and materials, maintaining a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Practice responsive caregiving, promote relational learning, and integrate routines and individualized or small-group activities into a flexible learning schedule.
Plan and conduct at least two conferences and two home visits, or more as needed, to inform parents and caregivers about children’s development, learning, routines, activities, and behavior, and to help caregivers 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.
Support Program Aides and Volunteers in developing skills for planning and conducting classroom activities.
Use active supervision techniques to ensure children are never left alone or unsupervised.
Use the playground as an extension of the classroom and ensure it is safe.
Eat with and assist children during meals to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
Meet children’s physical needs and assist with health and personal habits, including resting, tooth brushing, diapering, and toileting.
Engage parents in their children’s education by encouraging classroom participation and learning activities at home.
Create an annual inventory of classroom equipment and supplies.
Work with the Manager of Education & Inclusion to develop and document progress on professional development plans, and participate in professional development.
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, including 10 days of winter break, 5 days of spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays, and 2 floating holidays per year.
Health, 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 of part of the contribution.
Flexible Spending Account options for health care and dependent care.
Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
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 benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Employee Assistance Program offering free, confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Access to internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.