Teacher Early HS I

Save the Children US•Melville, LA

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 lead child development activities in each classroom, supported by Program Aides and Volunteers. Working with a co-Teacher, the teacher manages the day-to-day operation of the classroom, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, builds 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 and must uphold the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Requirements

Minimum of a CDA or an associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related field with early-childhood-equivalent coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, and 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 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 applicable criminal records, sex offender registry, employment, education, and child abuse registry checks, and meet 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 policies if operating a vehicle is required for essential job functions.
Ability to perform the physical demands described, including exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5–10 pounds constantly, as well as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, repetitive motions, keyboarding, and computer use.

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 developmental areas and preschool readiness.
Guide children’s activities, including daily classroom activities and field trips.
Select and set up classroom equipment and materials and maintain a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Practice responsive caregiving and provide individualized and small-group activities that integrate routines 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 help them develop observational skills.
Maintain accurate paper and online records and keep information about children and families confidential.
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 conducting classroom activities.
Protect children through active supervision and ensure that 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 support social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
Meet children’s physical needs and assist with health and personal habits, including resting, toothbrushing, diapering, and toileting.
Engage parents in their children’s education, including through classroom involvement and home activities.
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 flexible to stay 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 care, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Health Savings Account option with an employer match for eligible employees enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan.
Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Account options.
Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
Parental and adoption benefits and fertility benefits.
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
Health benefits and wellness support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program services, including assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up.
Internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.