Teacher I

Save the Children 2022•Moscow, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Save the Children is seeking a Head Start Teacher to develop and implement educational plans for preschool children, promoting their social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. This role involves managing the daily operations of a Head Start classroom, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and fostering strong partnerships with families to maintain high program quality. The Head Start Teacher reports to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion and may supervise Teacher Assistants. As a representative of Save the Children, the teacher must ensure the safety and security of children and families, upholding the agency's values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Requirements

Minimum of an associate degree in child development, early childhood education or a related degree with early childhood coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
Demonstrated ability to successfully communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels—whether internal or external—in the provision of high-quality services to children and families.
Demonstrated successful interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; great problem solving and time management 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 to children.
Proven ability to keep all required information strictly confidential.
Must participate in professional development training including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
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, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding, and computer use.
Clear pre-employment background check requirements, including local, state, and national criminal records check, sex offender registries, employment, and education verifications (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and pass all state and local health requirements required post job offers and prior to employment.
This position may require the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle to fulfill certain job functions. The incumbent should maintain a valid driver’s license and remain in compliance with any Save the Children policies pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages used by children and families).
If in North Carolina, holding a Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure preferred.
Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities that promote all developmental areas to improve children's readiness 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.
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 a 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, such as resting, brushing teeth, diapering, and toilet habits.
Create ways to engage parents in their children's education, including encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
Create an inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies annually.
Plan and conduct conferences (minimum 2) and home visits (minimum 2) or more often as needed to ensure parent/caregiver is well informed on their child’s progress of development and learning, routines, activities and behavior.
Work in cooperation with Manager of Education & Inclusion to develop and document progress on professional development plans; actively engage in professional development activities to increase qualifications.
Work closely with management to ensure program compliments Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and protect the children’s safety by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
Ensure the mobilization and documentation of matching-in-kind activities, goods and services.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Paid time off: 10 days winter break and 5 days spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays per year.
Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
Employer paid short term disability and long-term disability benefits.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Option to select HSA if enrolled into a High-Deductible Health Plan in which the company matches a portion of the contribution.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Option to enroll in health care and dependent care options.
Agency paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits (AD&D).
Parental/adoption, fertility benefits.
Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year).
Health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Employee Assistance Program: Free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.