Head Start Teacher

Kitsap Community Resources • Bremerton, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) is hiring a full-time Head Start Teacher for its Early Learning & Family Services department. The position facilitates learning for children ages 3–5 in a Head Start classroom using an approved, developmentally appropriate curriculum to support routines and children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. The teacher works with children in classrooms, playgrounds, and on learning trips, and may travel to other Head Start sites. The role reports to the Child Development Site Supervisor and/or Child Development Manager.

The teacher collaborates with families, classroom staff, and school district personnel to provide individualized learning experiences, conduct home visits and conferences, and support children’s developmental goals and needs. The position requires maintaining a safe and nurturing classroom, complying with applicable program standards and regulations, keeping records, and participating in required meetings and training. The role involves direct work with children and families, including people facing barriers such as homelessness, mental health issues, or substance abuse.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and three years of experience teaching preschool-age children, or a BA/BS with at least 30 credits in ECE or equivalent coursework and one year of experience.
• Ability to pass state and/or federal background checks as determined by the position before the hire date.
• Demonstrated recognition and compassion for people with low incomes.
• Awareness and sensitivity to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Demonstrated ability to input, aggregate, and analyze data, including generating accurate and complete reports.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License for operating company or other vehicles for company business.
• Ability to obtain proof of insurability for operating an automobile for company business.
• First Aid/CPR certification within 90 days of employment.
• Food Worker Permit within 90 days of employment.
• Initial physical examination within 90 days of employment.
• Tuberculosis testing upon employment and before contact with children; testing completed before hire will not be recognized.
• Current immunizations per Washington Administrative Code; these can be obtained upon hire.
• Ability to match the activity level of infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-age children; sit, stand, walk, twist, bend, get down to a child’s eye level and the floor, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to grasp and manipulate objects and reach above and below shoulder level.
• Ability to tolerate classroom noise and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to build secure, nurturing relationships with children and families and to recognize and address safety concerns.
• Cognitive and emotional ability to work directly with clients in need, including people who may experience homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, or other mental or physical barriers.
• Physical and cognitive ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to discern accuracy and apply it to work as necessary.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and perform responsibilities with honesty, empathy, and integrity.

Nice To Haves

• Early Head Start or Head Start experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Accept assignments from the Child Development Site Supervisor and/or Child Development Manager.
• Collaborate with the teacher aide and site team to develop and implement daily and weekly lesson plans.
• Ensure active supervision practices and maintain a safe, clean, healthy, and professional learning environment.
• Provide primary care through daily routines, including diapering, toilet learning, and feeding.
• Develop individualized plans as needed.
• Ensure compliance with KCR policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, federal and state regulations, and Washington Administrative Code child-care licensing requirements.
• Develop and implement the KCR Early Learning and Family Services written curriculum plan, using approved developmentally appropriate curriculum with fidelity and individualized instruction for each child.
• Maintain a positive, nurturing, strength-based learning environment consistent with Performance Standards, curriculum, and classroom assessment tools.
• Maintain daily records and reporting systems using the web-based data-entry platform, completing follow-up promptly.
• Conduct home visits and conferences in accordance with Performance Standards.
• Work with parents and school district personnel to administer developmental screenings, maintain ongoing assessments, participate in individualized goal planning, and attend IFSP/IEP meetings as needed.
• Guide substitutes and volunteers to maintain classroom quality and comply with policies, procedures, and Performance Standards.
• Attend required meetings and trainings, site parent and team meetings, and other meetings designated by the Site Supervisor or Program Management.
• Maintain regular attendance, confidentiality, and a safe, clean, healthy, and professional work environment.
• Complete at least 15 hours of professional development each year and work toward required qualifications, certifications, and professional goals.

Benefits

• Vacation, sick, personal holiday, and other time off, including for life events such as jury duty and bereavement.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, and short-term disability coverage for the employee; dependents may be covered through payroll deduction.
• 6.5% employer contribution to a 401(k) after the first 12–18 months of employment.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee Wellness Program and wellness initiatives.
• Employee Growth & Development Training Programs.

What This Job Offers

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