Teacher I

Save the Children 2022•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 stage. The role is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a Head Start classroom, compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining high program quality, and building strong partnerships with families. The position 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 representative of Save the Children, the teacher is responsible for children’s and families’ safety and for upholding the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Requirements

Associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related degree with early childhood equivalent coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, 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, organizational, 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.
Pass required pre-employment background checks, including applicable criminal-record, sex-offender-registry, employment, education, and child-abuse-registry checks, and meet applicable state and local health requirements after job offer and before employment.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with Save the Children policies for safe motor vehicle operation.
Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work, exerting 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.
Ability to perform duties involving repetitive action and motion, keyboarding, and computer use.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability, preferably English/Spanish or English and other languages 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 qualified employment vacancies.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities that promote children’s development and school readiness.
Maintain a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment and provide constant supervision indoors and outdoors, using active supervision to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised.
Build effective relationships with the organization, children, and families, and create opportunities for parents to participate in children’s education through classroom involvement and home activities.
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, including 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 children throughout the day and provide child-initiated and teacher-directed activities for individual, small-group, and large-group learning.
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 rest, toothbrushing, diapering, and toileting.
Create an annual inventory of classroom equipment and supplies.
Plan and conduct at least two conferences and two home visits, or more as needed, to keep parents and caregivers informed about children’s progress, routines, activities, and behavior.
Work with the Manager of Education & Inclusion to develop and document 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.
Maintain alertness and work safely to protect children.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Operate a motor vehicle when needed for essential job functions, maintain a valid driver’s license, and follow 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-term and long-term disability benefits.
Health Savings Account option for employees enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan, with a company match of a portion of the contribution.
Flexible Spending Account options for health care and dependent care.
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 through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Access to internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.