Head Start Teacher

Acelero Learning•Philadelphia, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher (Lead Teacher) leads a classroom of children ages 3–4 and collaborates with an assistant teacher, families, and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities. The role implements a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that promotes development across all domains, positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation. The teacher observes and documents children’s progress, individualizes curriculum, responds to children’s needs and interests, and partners with families to support learning and development at school and at home. Classroom experiences should be developmentally, linguistically, culturally, and age appropriate. The teacher provides a print-rich environment, integrates IEPs for children with disabilities, establishes consistent routines, and supervises children to ensure their safety and security in accordance with Head Start and daycare licensing requirements. The position is based at Acelero Learning Philadelphia’s Allegheny Center, Jefferson Center, or N 17th St Center. The anticipated start is Fall 2026. Local or long-distance travel for work-related meetings and functions may be required up to 10% of the time. Annual salary is $47,395.01, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or equivalent coursework, or otherwise meets the requirements of the Head Start Act.
Physical exam and background checks are required.
Valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation.
Ability to travel locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.

Responsibilities

Lead a Head Start classroom for children ages 3–4, collaborating with an assistant teacher, families, and other staff.
Implement a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that promotes positive social interaction, active engagement, self-motivation, and development across all domains.
Address challenging behaviors by observing for possible causes, implementing preventive measures, teaching social and communication skills, and partnering with families.
Observe children and use anecdotal notes to document progress and individualize curriculum.
Build partnerships with families to establish positive interactions in the program, school, and home.
Provide developmentally, linguistically, culturally, and age-appropriate classroom experiences.
Create a print-rich environment that develops children’s literacy, numeracy, social skills, language, and problem-solving abilities.
Implement daily lesson plans responsive to children’s needs and interests, using observations, anecdotal records, early childhood development knowledge, and key experiences.
Integrate Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities.
Provide children with a consistent classroom routine.
Supervise children and ensure their safety and security in accordance with Head Start and daycare licensing requirements.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $800 annually.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% company match and immediate vesting.
Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance and basic life insurance.
Up to $500 per year in professional development reimbursements.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support.
Wellness programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes.
Pet insurance, legal assistance, ID theft protection, and employee discount perks.
Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during the first year of employment.
Career growth and professional development opportunities.
Supportive working environment.