Teacher I, Head Start

Save The Children • Dyersburg, TN

98d

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual and group educational plans for preschool children, designed to promote social-emotional, physical and cognitive growth in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. You will be responsible for the general, day-to-day operations of a Head Start classroom and must verify legal compliance with federal, state and local regulations. You will create and nurture strong partnerships with families and ensures that the program quality remains at the highest standards. The Head Start Teacher reports directly to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion. This position may also supervise Teacher Assistants and seek support in the classroom from Program Aides and Volunteers. As a front line representative of Save the Children, the Head Start Teacher is required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she comes in contact with, adhering to the agency's values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaborations, Creativity and Integrity. As a Save the Children employee who will come into contact with children on a routine basis, you are expected to prevent child abuse in every situation by striving, through mental awareness, good practice and training to minimize risk to children. You must take positive steps to protect children who may be a subject of concern and report, respond to any instance of child abuse, and promote training and awareness around all child-safeguarding obligations.

Requirements

• Minimum of an Associate degree in child development, early childhood education or a related degree with early childhood equivalent coursework.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams.
• Demonstrated successful interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow established and communicated directions and take initiative.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Proven ability to relate sensitively with children.
• Proven ability to keep all required information strictly confidential.
• Must participate in professional development training including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages used by children and families).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans as well as educational activities that promote all developmental areas to improve the readiness of children for school.
• Ensure there is a safe, healthy and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Build effective relationships within the organization, the children and their families.
• Maintain accurate records, both on paper and in designated online systems.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Plan, conduct and document observations, assessments and screenings.
• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child including weekly observations, examples of the child's work and developmental assessments.
• Keep manager informed of important issues.
• Work with the Assistant Teacher, Program Aides and Volunteers to develop their skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
• Engage with children during all activities throughout the day.
• Provide constant supervision of children during all learning activities indoors and outdoors and ensure safe environment.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure the playground is safe.
• Provide a balanced program of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities and opportunities for individual, small group and large group learning activities.
• Eat with and assist children in eating during mealtime to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Ensure that the physical needs of children are met, assisting children in health and personal habits.
• Create ways to engage parents in the education of their children including encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
• Create an inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies annually.
• Plan and conduct conferences and home visits to ensure parent/caregiver is well informed on their child's progress.
• Work in cooperation with Manager of Education & Inclusion to develop and document progress on professional development plan.
• Actively engage in professional development activities to increase qualifications.
• Work closely with management to ensure program compliments Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Ensure the mobilization and documentation of matching-in-kind activities, goods and services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b)
• Generous vacation
• Personal sick leave
• Family leave
• Parental/adoption leave
• Commuter benefits
• Dress for your day

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Social Assistance
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees