Early Head Start Teacher

Who's On the Move; South Carolina; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Thornwell Child Development Center is seeking a dedicated early childhood educator to provide high-quality, culturally sensitive care for enrolled children. The role involves planning, supervising, and implementing classroom curriculum, fostering a positive learning environment, and maintaining communication with families.

You will collaborate with a co-teacher to plan lessons, post weekly newsletters, and prepare materials.

Qualifications

• Must have at least six months of experience as a teacher/caregiver in a licensed or approved childcare facility.
• Must be certified in pediatric First Aid/CPR.
• High school diploma or GED required; minimum 2-year degree in ECE/Development or related field.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to SC DSS Childcare Licensing, Office of Head Start, ABC Quality, and Thornwell policies.
• Participate in training programs; responsible for 15+ training hours yearly.
• Plan, supervise, and implement the program for the assigned class.
• Plan weekly with co-teacher; develop and post lesson plans and newsletters weekly.
• Prepare learning environment and materials; ensure needed supplies.
• Complete observations, assessments, and parent-teacher conferences; document in TSG.
• Conduct Fall/Winter/Spring parent conferences; support children's adjustment and development.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality with staff, children, and families.
• Inform Director of needed materials at least one week in advance; assist substitutes.
• Keep accurate records on all children; communicate with parents via daily comments, newsletters, and calendars.
• Greet families with warmth; support children in making choices; apply Conscious Discipline.

Skills

Classroom management

Oral and written communication

Nurturing and responsive

Engaging with children and families

Feedback delivery

Time management

Commit to self-development

Education

2-year degree in Early Childhood Education/Development

Infant-toddler CDA or ECD 101 credential

Job description

The well-qualified individual must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive care and services to enrolled children and their families.
Possess the ability to plan, supervise, and implement curriculum in an assigned classroom.
Possess the ability to manage and foster a positive learning environment where children grow, learn, and thrive.

Core Responsibilities

• Adhere to all SC DSS Childcare Licensing, Office of Head Start, ABC Quality, and Thornwell Child Development Center policies and procedures.
• Participate in recommended training programs, conferences, courses, and other aspects of professional growth; will be responsible for 15 (plus) training hours each calendar year.
• Plan, supervise, and implement the program for the assigned class in accordance with the guidelines, policies, procedures, and the philosophy of the Center.
• Participate in weekly planning sessions with the co-teacher to create and develop lesson plans (small group and individual) to be turned into the director at least one week in advance, implement and post plans (lesson plans and weekly newsletters must be posted and sent home each Monday), and prepare the learning environment with needed materials and supplies.
• Set up, plan, and prepare the learning environment and prepare needed materials and supplies.
• Prepare and complete all required observations, assessments, documentation, and parent-teacher conferences. Complete and enter observations and documentation into Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG). Assist in the ongoing evaluation procedures needed to assess the developmental levels of children.
• Conduct parent conferences in the Fall, Winter, and Spring of each year and any other time during the year that is needed on children’s school adjustment, classroom behavior, and development levels.
• Always maintain a professional, positive attitude and loyalty to the Center’s administrative team, its staff, children, and families.
• Keep the Director informed of accidents, illnesses, suspicious marks on children’s bodies, and questionable behavior of children in the classroom while maintaining confidentiality.
• Inform the Director of needed materials and/or supplies at least one week in advance.
• Provide a folder with alternate lesson plans and helpful information for substitutes.
• Assist the Director in keeping accurate records on all children.
• Ability to communicate with parents using the provided daily comments form, weekly newsletter, and planning calendar.
• Greet children and families with a smile and a personal welcome or goodbye.
• Assist children in making choices for themselves, speaking for themselves, and building self-esteem by incorporating age-appropriate practices and techniques, positive guidance and redirection” and the “Conscious Discipline” approach.
• Assume responsibility for the general housekeeping duties of the EHS classroom, its furnishings, toys, manipulatives, and bathrooms.

Working Conditions

• Works in a classroom environment that may require standing for extended periods of time and/or walking around the classroom to provide adequate supervision of classroom children. We must also ensure that the required teacher/child ratios are maintained. Daily outdoor playtime is required.
• Utilizes office equipment, including laptops, printers, and scanners, to support position responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and at minimum a 2-year degree in Early Childhood Education/Development or related fields, and/or infant-toddler CDA or ECD 101 credential.
• Must have at least six months of experience as a teacher/caregiver in a licensed or approved childcare facility.
• Must be certified in pediatric First Aid/CPR.

Skills

• Must be skilled in classroom management.
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate nurturing and responsive manner with children.
• Must possess the ability to interact and engage well with children and families.
• Must possess the ability to communicate feedback in a supportive, positive way.
• Must possess the ability to prioritize and organize one’s time and responsibilities to complete the required job tasks in a timely manner.
• Must possess the ability to commit to self-development and continued learning.

Thornwell is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and prefers to employ individuals who are Christians and who possess a Christian commitment, as well as concern, for children and families in need.