Teacher I

Save the Children US•Jennings, LA

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual and group educational plans for preschool children to promote social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in ways appropriate to their developmental stages. The role is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a Head Start classroom, compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining high program quality, and building strong partnerships with families. The teacher reports to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion and may supervise Teacher Assistants, with classroom support from Program Aides and Volunteers. As a front-line representative of Save the Children, the teacher is responsible for children’s and families’ safety and security and for upholding the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent early childhood coursework equivalent to a major in child development, early childhood education, or a related field, along with experience teaching preschool-age children.
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.
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
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; activities include sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping. Duties also include repetitive motions, keyboarding, and computer use.
Pass required pre-employment background checks, including applicable criminal-record, 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 policies for safe motor vehicle operation when driving is required.

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 support all developmental areas and school readiness.
Maintain a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment, including ensuring playground safety and using the playground as an extension of the classroom.
Build effective relationships with children, families, and colleagues across the organization.
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.
Keep the manager informed of important issues.
Work with the Assistant Teacher, Program Aides, and Volunteers to develop their skills in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
Engage with and constantly supervise children during indoor and outdoor learning activities, using active supervision to ensure that no child is left alone or unsupervised.
Provide a balanced program of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities, including individual, small-group, and large-group learning opportunities.
Eat with and assist children during meals to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
Meet children’s physical needs by assisting with health and personal habits, including resting, toothbrushing, diapering, and toileting.
Engage parents in their children’s education, encourage classroom involvement and home activities, and conduct at least two conferences and two home visits, or more as needed, to discuss each child’s progress and routines.
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 activities.
Work with management to ensure the program complies with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Mobilize and document matching-in-kind activities, goods, and services.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Operate a motor vehicle when required for essential job functions and comply with applicable vehicle-safety policies.

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- 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, adoption, and fertility benefits.
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
Wellness support and health benefits through Calm and company-hosted events.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Internal and external learning and development opportunities, mentorships, certification assistance, and tuition assistance.