Early Head Start Teacher

Community Action of South Mississippi • Pascagoula, MS

1d

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, as well as applicable local, state, and agency policies and procedures.

The role involves frequent movement throughout the classroom and facility, floor- and outdoor-based activities with children, and staying active for extended periods. The teacher must supervise and monitor children at all times, recognize hazards, respond quickly to safety needs, and accompany children on field trips, including assisting them on and off buses and while crossing streets. The position requires applying early childhood development theory, particularly for infants and toddlers, and adapting activities to individual children’s needs.

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, including ability to use office technology such as telephones and fax machines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and 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 floor and outdoor activities with children, and lift children weighing 50 pounds or more in emergencies or unusual circumstances.
• Ability to perceive sounds at normal speaking levels, with or without correction.
• Ability to supervise children continuously and move quickly to respond to safety needs.

Responsibilities

• Encourage children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Ensure children's safety and welfare 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, with a focus on infants and toddlers, in daily activities and adapt to children's individual needs.
• Recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action.
• Participate in activities on the floor and outdoors with children and keep pace with their activity level.
• Accompany children on field trips and assist them on and off buses and when crossing streets.
• Respond quickly to active children who may need restraint or redirection to ensure their safety or the safety of others.

What This Job Offers

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