Early Head Start/Head Start Teacher (Evergreen)

University of Kansas Medical Center; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 26,640 - 37,941; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement program

Job summary

The University of Kansas Medical Center is hiring an Early Head Start/Head Start Teacher. This position involves planning and coordinating educational programs for young children, ensuring safety and fostering relationships with families.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with a passion for child development. Competitive compensation includes health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in early childhood education.
• Bilingual Spanish/English.
• Background check including fingerprinting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure child safety by maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe classroom environment.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities.
• Partner with families to build mutually respectful, goal-oriented relationships.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Computer skills

Multi-tasking and time management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related field

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Position Title

Early Head Start/Head Start Teacher (Evergreen)

Department

Project Eagle

Job Description Overview

Project Eagle is an early childhood program focused on preparing children, engaging families, and promoting excellence for children and families in Kansas City, Kansas. It provides home‑based and center‑based services to pregnant women and/or children ages birth to five through a variety of programs, the largest being Early Head Start. The teacher is responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating a comprehensive education program through partnership with the Associate Teacher, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate and meet the needs of each child.

Job Duties

• Ensure child safety by maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe classroom environment, conducting emergency procedures, and supervising children at all times.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities that support children’s individual education plans utilizing the High Scope Curriculum.
• Support children in developing positive social relationships, self‑images, and conflict resolution skills utilizing Conscious Discipline.
• Utilize the continuity of care model to support children and families to develop safe, secure attachments.
• Partner with families to build mutually respectful, goal‑oriented relationships that support strong parent‑child relationships, family well‑being, and ongoing learning and development for both parents and children.
• Interact with families through regular classroom contact and participate in interdisciplinary meetings, child and family reviews, family conferences and home visits.
• Provide monthly classroom family engagement activities based on the interests of the children and families.
• Ensure timely completion of necessary paperwork (developmental assessments, lesson plans, parent information, incident/accident reports, attendance, USDA meal counts, etc.).
• Observe, assess, and document each child’s skills, behavior, growth and development.
• Assess student needs and develop individualized learning opportunities for each child.
• Understand the referral process to Part B and Part C and alert the interdisciplinary team when assessments show concerns.
• Use classroom and school data to improve teaching practice and ensure school readiness.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential child files and portfolios.
• Collaborate with coworkers during team planning sessions and support implementation of best practices.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, coaching, and reflective supervision activities.
• Share expertise and classroom experiences with other members of the school and the community.
• Follow all mandates of Head Start Regulations, state and local childcare licensing regulations, and Project Eagle/Educare of Kansas City's philosophy and curriculum.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field; or a degree in an unrelated field with at least 30 early childhood credits.
• Associate’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, or a closely related field, at least 2 years’ experience in early childhood, and enrollment in a Bachelor’s program to complete within 3 years.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or become certified within 30 days of employment.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in early childhood education.
• Background check including fingerprinting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Early childhood teaching certification or graduate coursework/degree.
• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.
• Experience working in an Early Head Start or Head Start Center‑based program.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide high‑quality, developmentally appropriate care and education for young children.
• Experience working with early intervention and children with special needs and families with unique life experiences.
• Experience implementing curriculum.
• Experience using assessment tools for instructional purposes.
• Experience with research partnerships.
• Experience sharing best practices with volunteers, practicum students, etc.

Required Skills

• Interpersonal skills.
• Communication skills.
• Computer skills.
• Multi‑tasking and time management skills.

Language Requirement

Bilingual Spanish/English.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate: $23.44 per hour.
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance, health expense accounts, life insurance, long‑term disability, paid time off, vacation, sick, holidays, discretionary days, parental leave, and retirement program.

Work Environment

Ability to move up to 50 pounds with or without accommodations.