EHS Teacher
The Early Head Start Teacher (including Substitutes and Floaters) delivers the infant and toddler classroom curriculum for a single‑session classroom, in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Licensing Minimum Standards, and agency standards to ensure that services provided are in alignment with the Social Determinants of Health through a trauma‑informed care lens as defined by the agency. The teacher maintains supervision of infant and toddler children and child/staff ratios at all times, and is responsible for the care, well‑being, safety, and education of infants and toddlers. The teacher creates and manages an attractive, warm and nurturing learning environment, incorporating appropriate early intervention, learning, and care activities that meet the needs of the group as well as those of individual children and families. The teacher builds a positive relationship with children focused on positive communication, appropriate physical proximity, respect, positive discipline and guidance. The teacher implements the curriculum, assesses the needs of each individual child, and assists families in following the goals they have set for their child or themselves. The Teacher, Early Head Start Substitute and Floater will be required to assist in various Head Start classrooms and/or centers as assigned, moving from classroom to classroom or center to center as needed and directed.
Essential Functions
- Ensures clients have access to all five pillars of the social determinants of health with a trauma‑informed lens through agency services and/or community partners.
- Ensures adequate supervision of children, maintaining ratios in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures.
- Works cooperatively with co‑teacher/partner teacher to develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans prior to classroom instruction in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards that reflect the development of the whole child in addition to infant and toddler school readiness, accommodating differences in student learning styles and conducting ongoing assessments of student achievement, and following the daily schedule.
- Works cooperatively with co‑teacher/partner teacher to plan and utilize appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities and materials that reflect understanding of the developmental needs of infants and toddlers.
- Works cooperatively with co‑teacher/partner teacher to plan and implement lesson plans in safety, nutrition, and health in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures.
- Works cooperatively with co‑teacher, partner teacher, and support staff to modify curricula as needed for individual children according to guidelines established in Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP).
- Works cooperatively with co‑teacher/partner teacher to create classroom environments that provide a nurturing relationship with children, conducive to learning and appropriate for the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of infants and toddlers.
- Consults with classroom staff, support staff, and/or supervisors to ensure that classroom instruction is delivered in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures.
- Ensures that classroom instruction and school readiness goals are delivered in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures and guidelines.
- Ensures that classrooms, toys, tables, and cribs are cleaned and sanitized daily and that all sanitation policies and procedures are implemented (e.g., appropriate diaper changing, handwashing).
- Ensures there is a clean and appropriate food preparation area maintained away from the diaper changing area.
- Maintains all classroom documentation as required, including assessments and other documents following the Head Start Program Metrics.
Family Support
- Communicates frequently with parents regarding their child’s development, instruction and assessment, and engages parents in their child’s education.
- Completes two home visits and two parent‑teacher conferences per child per program year, ensuring that documentation is complete, accurate, and timely based on established due dates.
- Follows all directives given by supervisors in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, agency, and Licensing Minimum Standards; and follows all guidelines, policies and procedures.
Agency Responsibilities
- Attends agency, program and Early Head Start Center staff meetings and/or trainings as required.
- Maintains good relationships with stakeholders, current and potential Early Head Start children and their families, community, and co‑workers, focusing on providing excellent and culturally sensitive customer service and always presenting a positive image of the agency.
- Maintains a working environment that encourages mutual respect, promotes respectful and congenial relationships between employees, and is free from all forms of harassment.
- Performs other duties as assigned, including presentations to community groups and organizations, in accordance with the agency’s “team” philosophy.
Education / Training / Experience
- A minimum of a current Infant and Toddler Child Development Associate credential is required (Child Development Associate credential must be renewed and current during all phases of employment); an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development is preferred.
- Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification.
- Previous educational classroom experience and ability to utilize various learning techniques in the successful delivery of curricula.
- Fluent in English and Spanish (read, write, and speak) desirable.
- Staff will be required to submit proof of vaccination status or may request exemption from vaccination due to a religious and/or medical accommodation.
- State of Texas vehicle operator’s license and proof of liability insurance.
- This is a 10‑month position, meaning you do not work in June or July and will return in August.
Qualifications – Education
- Associate’s or better in Early Childhood Education.
- High School or better in Early Childhood Education.
Licenses & Certifications – Required
- Child Development Associate.
- CPR/First Aid.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60‑1.35(c).