Early Head Start Teacher

Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & OK/CN Counties, Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Early Head Start Teacher at Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & OK/CN Counties, Inc. oversees day-to-day operations in an Early Head Start classroom, ensuring educational, social, and emotional needs of infants and toddlers are met.

The role requires familiarity with Head Start policies and strong adaptability to evolving needs. Leads the classroom with the Teacher Assistant, coordinates with Family Advocates, and participates in recruitment and special events.

Qualifications

• CDA in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Must meet state and funding source requirements incl. fingerprinting.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license with transportation.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures.

Responsibilities

• Lead classroom teaching and model innovative approaches.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment addressing social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs.
• Coordinate with Teacher Assistant, Family Advocates and volunteers for team success.
• Maintain accurate child growth records and participate in screenings/assessments.
• Occasionally substitute in other classrooms as needed.
• Travel to off-site locations as required.

Education

CDA in Early Childhood Education

Adaptability/Flexibility

Team collaboration

Tools

ChildPlus

KidKare

Online LAP

Job description

Job Summary:

The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for the day-to-day operation of an Early Head Start classroom, ensuring the educational, social, and emotional needs of program-eligible infants and toddlers are met. This role requires a thorough understanding of all Head Start/Early Head Start (ACF) Policies, performance standards, and CAA procedures. As an Innovator, the Teacher must be Adaptable and Responsive to the evolving needs of children and families, implementing research-based practices to ensure high-quality early childhood development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Serves as a lead teacher, modeling exceptional teaching techniques and demonstrating innovative approaches. Acts as a builder of knowledge, guiding classroom activities by designing appropriate materials and using guidance techniques that foster child independence.
• Establishes and maintains an environment that reflects our commitment to respect always. Creates a safe, nurturing space that meets the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of each individual child without judgment.

Teamwork:

• Works as a partner with the Teacher Assistant to complete housekeeping tasks, including attendance, meal census, and hygiene routines. Provides leadership and direction for assistants and volunteers to ensure a cohesive team environment.
• Coordinates with Family Advocates as allies in meeting the health, nutrition, and social service needs of each family. Organizes a parent/teacher team approach, maintaining Trust through consistent communication, home visits, and conferences.
• Participates as a service-oriented team member in recruitment, volunteer orientation, and special events. Is Adaptable to substitute in other classrooms as needed to support the overall mission.

Integrity:

• Demonstrates accountability and Integrity in the administration of all required screenings and assessments, including the E-LAP. Maintains precise written records of child growth to serve as the basis for individualized plans.
• Embraces a Curious mindset, utilizing training opportunities to research new methods and strengthen teaching abilities to continually exceed expectations.
• Follows and maintains QRIS 5-Star criteria. A minimum of 30 hours must be obtained.

Technology:

• Must be proficient in technology, both software and hardware. This includes utilizing ChildPlus, KidKare, and Online LAP.

Other:

• Performs other Head Start/Early Head Start duties required to accomplish the Head Start/Early Head Start mission.
• This position requires frequent travel to off-site locations.

Working Conditions:

The environment is varied to include the Head Start Support office, Head Start Centers, and various Community Resources. Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such as lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or positioning the body to be on the child’s level and floor level. Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and run or walk hurriedly for a child’s safety.

Qualifications Required:

• CDA in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to assume responsibility for an Early Childhood classroom and related duties with high expectations.
• Must meet all requirements established by state and funding sources, including fingerprinting and a valid Oklahoma State driver’s license with available transportation.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures, acting as a connection for families from all backgrounds.
• Must possess no physical limitations that preclude the performance of duties, including mobility and agility to work at a child’s level.

Qualifications Desired:

• Two (2) years of full-time employment in an Early Childhood classroom setting.