Teacher Early HS I

Save the Children US•Candor, 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. Two teachers work together in each classroom, supported by Program Aides and Volunteers. In collaboration with a co-Teacher, the role manages the classroom’s day-to-day operations, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, builds strong partnerships with families, and maintains 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 safeguarding children and families and adhering to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Requirements

Minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related degree with equivalent early-childhood coursework, 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 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.
Pass required pre-employment background checks, including local, state, and national criminal records checks, sex offender registry checks, employment and education verification, and child abuse registry checks where required by state regulations.
Pass applicable state and local health requirements after the job offer and before employment.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with Save the Children motor vehicle policies if operating a motor vehicle is required 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 that promote children’s development and readiness for preschool.
Guide and facilitate children’s activities, including classroom activities and field trips.
Select and prepare classroom equipment and materials and maintain a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Use responsive caregiving and individualized and small-group activities, incorporating routines into a flexible schedule of learning experiences.
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 help them develop observational skills.
Maintain accurate paper and online records and protect confidential information about children and families.
Plan, conduct, and document observations, assessments, and screenings; maintain an ongoing portfolio for each child with weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
Support Program Aides and Volunteers in developing their skills for planning and conducting 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 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 rest, toothbrushing, diapering, and toileting.
Engage parents in children’s education through classroom involvement and home activities.
Create an annual inventory of classroom equipment and supplies.
Work with the Manager of Education & Inclusion to 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 necessary.
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; the company matches a portion of contributions.
Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Account options.
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 with free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Internal and external learning and development opportunities, mentorships, certification assistance, and tuition assistance.