EHS Classroom Teacher

Cen-tex Family Services Inc; Giddings (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Cen-tex Family Services Inc. seeks an Early Head Start Teacher to create a safe, responsive learning environment for infants and toddlers from birth to age three, aligning with Head Start standards and state licensing.

The role emphasizes social-emotional development, family partnerships, and culturally responsive practice. The position involves home visits, parent-teacher conferences, and ongoing assessment to guide lesson planning while ensuring health, safety, and nutrition protocols are

Qualifications

• Experience with infants/toddlers and understanding of developmental milestones.
• Ability to implement individualized and culturally responsive learning experiences.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Create safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments for infants/toddlers in accordance with Head Start standards and licensing.
• Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences to engage families and support learning at home.
• Design and deliver play- and observation-based activities; document progress and share with families.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

English proficiency

Education

CDA in Infant/Toddler care or Associate/Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with infant/toddler coursework

Job description

Job SummaryThe Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, responsive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in accordance with Early Head Start Program Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, agency policies, and the Agency’s curriculum. The teacher supports children’s social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development while building strong, trusting relationships with families.Competency AreaResponsibilitiesKey BehaviorsChild Development & LearningDemonstrates knowledge of infant/toddler developmental milestones and applies that understanding in daily routines and lesson planningImplements individualized and culturally responsive learning experiences based on observations and assessmentsPromotes learning through play, exploration, and responsive interactions,Designs and delivers activities that foster growth in all developmental domainsAdjusts strategies based on developmental needs and interestsHealth, Safety, & NutritionEnsure compliance with all health, safety, and nutrition requirements.Supervise children at all times, maintaining appropriate ratios.Follow safe sleep and diapering proceduresFollow all health, safety, and nutrition protocols.Supervise children at all times, ensuring a safe environment.Implement safe sleep and diapering procedures.Promote healthy eating habits and model positive mealtime interactions.Regularly inspect the environment for safety hazards and address them immediately.Responsive CaregivingBuild respectful, culturally sensitive relationships with familiesImplements individualized and culturally responsive learning experiences based on observations and assessmentsConduct at least two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually.Share resources and strategies to support learning at homeBuilds secure attachments through warm, consistent, and responsive interactionsEncourages children’s self-regulation and independenceRespects and integrates children’s and families’ cultures, languages, and values into the learning environmentListen actively to family concerns and respond with empathyConduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences to discuss progress.Provide resources to support family learning at homeCollaborate with staff to meet children’s individual needs.Responds promptly and sensitively to children’s cues.Uses positive guidance and age-appropriate discipline techniques.Uses materials and strategies that reflect diverse culturesSupports dual language learners appropriatelyFamily & Community EngagementBuild respectful, culturally sensitive relationships with familiesImplements individualized and culturally responsive learning experiences based on observations and assessmentsConduct at least two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually.Share resources and strategies to support learning at homeListen actively to family concerns and respond with empathyConduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences to discuss progress.Provide resources to support family learning at homeCollaborate with staff to meet children’s individual needs.Observation, Documentation, & AssessmentConduct developmental screenings and ongoing assessments.Maintain accurate, confidential records of each child’s progress.Use assessment data to guide lesson planning and individualizationConduct timely developmental screeningsObserve and document children’s progress using objective language.Record accurate and confidential documentation of each child’s progress.Use assessment results to guide instructional planning.Share progress with families in a strengths-based manner.Professionalism & Continuous ImprovementParticipate in professional development, training, and reflective practice.Maintain confidentiality and comply with all program policies.Collaborate effectively with colleagues and specialistsModel respectful, professional interactions with staff, families, and children.Maintain confidentiality in all mattersRemain flexible and solution-focused when challenges ariseSeek feedback from peers and supervisors to improve practice.Minimum QualificationsCDA in Infant/Toddler care or Associate/Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education orrelated field with infant/toddler coursework.At least one year of experience working with infants/toddlers, preferably in an Early Head Start setting.Knowledge of infant/toddler development and responsive caregiving practices.Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skillsAbility to communicate in English, both written and verballyLicenses/CertificationsCurrent CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations.Valid Texas Drivers LicenseWorking Conditions & Physical DemandsAbility to lift up to 40 pounds,Frequent bending, standing, sitting on the floor, and active movementExposure to common childhood illnessesPerforms other duties as assignedPerformance IndicatorsChild Development outcomes show progress across domainsCompliance with all Head Start standards and state licensingPositive feedback from family engagement surveysTimely completion of assessments and documentationPerforms other duties as assigned by Center Director