Early Head Start - Teacher - Lansing, MI

Capital Area Community Services, inc.; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $2,000

Job summary

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is seeking an Early Head Start Teacher for Infant and Toddler classrooms. This full-year, full-time role offers competitive pay based on education level, with CDA starting at $21.56/hr and up to $30.23/hr for advanced degrees.

A $2,000 sign-on bonus is available for new hires, paid in three installments. The position requires maintaining a rich learning environment, regular family communication, and strict adherence to licensing and CACFP guidelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Infant Toddler CDA required.
• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Minimum of one year of related experience in education or child development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish a safe, engaging classroom environment with diverse learning opportunities.
• Plan and implement weekly lesson plans aligned with curriculum.
• Conduct and document child assessments and progress notes.
• Communicate regularly with families about progress and needs.
• Provide leadership and training to classroom staff.
• Ensure compliance with CACFP guidelines for meals and snacks.
• Complete required documentation and maintain child records.

Skills

Infant/Toddler care

Classroom management

Parent communication

Team collaboration

Education

Infant Toddler CDA

Associate's Degree in Child Development/ECE

Bachelor's Degree in Child Development/ECE

Master's Degree in related field

Job description

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is hiring an Early Head Start Teacher! This position is a full-year, full-time position in one of our Infant and Toddler classrooms.

Competitive starting pay based on education level:

• CDA starting at $21.56 per hour
• Associate's Degree starting at $22.35 per hour
• Bachelor's Degree starting at $23.37 per hour
• Master's Degree starting at $30.23 per hour

Sign On Bonus: Effective July 6, 2026, newly hired employees in this position are eligible for a $2,000 sign on bonus, paid as follows:

• $1,000 upon hire
• $500 after 30 days of employment
• $500 after 60 days of employment

Job Summary

Provide children with a rich learning environment and varied experiences based upon their developmental level to help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally. Screen and assess children for the development of appropriate programming and referrals. Communicate with parents regarding their child's progress and involve family members in the classroom program. Maintain compliance with requirements and standards, including required documentation.

Education:

Minimum of an Infant Toddler CDA required. Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education preferred.

Experience:

A minimum of one year of related experience in education or child development is preferred

Position Duties/Responsibilities

Establish a classroom learning environment that provides a rich array of learning opportunities based upon the developmental levels of the children and is clean, safe, and attractive. Maintain an environment that is conducive to learning. Engage in active supervision at all times. Plan classroom activities that are culturally sensitive that involve and challenge children with disabilities and at all developmental levels.

Develop an ongoing weekly individualization plan for each child based on needs and strengths identified through screening, assessment, with input from specialists and parents.

Conduct and manage required child assessments, anecdotal notes, documentation and reporting of child outcomes, IEP's, developmental screenings, etc.

Supervise all meal and snack service/activities following CACFP guidelines.

Develop and implement written weekly lesson plans and provide an organized program according to the identified curriculum.

Submit assessments, home visits, and paperwork for all departments on time.

Maintain child records, lesson plans, and inventory of equipment and materials.

Assure that parent and volunteer in-kind forms are completed and submitted in a timely manner.

Provide leadership and training to other classroom staff.

Communicate regularly with supervisor regarding any changes in classroom activities, child's status, work schedule, supply and equipment needs, or any issues or concerns.

Complete at least two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences per year, per child, to involve parents in understanding their child's developmental needs and progress, and to identify other child and family needs.

Communicate with the Family Advocate on a regular basis related to full classroom enrollment and consistent attendance.

Work in a team environment with other teachers and support staff to achieve educational goals and to provide high quality comprehensive programming.

Assist in planning, supporting, and executing parent and family events or trainings such as Family Activity Nights, FSC trainings, Family Fun Nights, etc. Assist with parent engagement efforts and activities and encourage family participation in the program.

Employment with CACS Head Start is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting, in accordance with state and federal licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards. All candidates must also pass a pre-employment drug screening. Continued employment is subject to adherence to ongoing background check and health requirements as mandated by licensing regulations and agency policies.