Head Start Teacher

Wateree Community Actions; Bishopville (SC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Wateree Community Actions is seeking a Head Start Teacher to create a safe, developmentally appropriate classroom for preschoolers in Bishopville, SC. You will plan engaging activities, implement the Head Start curriculum, and monitor each child's progress toward school readiness.

The role requires collaboration with families and staff, adherence to program standards, and strong assessment to tailor learning experiences for diverse needs. Background checks and health requirements apply.

Qualifications

• Associate, Bachelor's, or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or related field with ECE coursework.
• Knowledge of Head Start standards and requirements; ability to meet licensing rules.
• Experience teaching preschool-age children preferred; background checks required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities for preschoolers.
• Follow approved curriculum with fidelity and tailor to individual needs.
• Support school readiness across language, literacy, math, science, and social-emotional skills.
• Maintain safe, organized, and nurturing classroom environment.
• Lead and supervise classroom staff; ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
• Observe and document child progress; use data for planning.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with program standards.

Skills

Strong classroom management

Nurturing teacher-child interactions

Observation and assessment

Curriculum implementation fidelity

Adapt learning for disabilities

Family communication

Education

Early Childhood Education degree

Related field with ECE coursework

Head Start credentialing alternative

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Bishopville HS - Bishopville, SC 29010, Salary Range: $16.11 - $19.59, Wateree Community Actions, Inc. is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Head Start Teacher.

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, healthy, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-age children. The Teacher plans and implements learning experiences that promote school readiness and support each child's intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development.

The Teacher is responsible for the overall operation of the classroom and works collaboratively with the Teacher Assistant, families, and other Head Start staff to provide high-quality services to children and families in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, applicable state requirements, and Wateree Community Actions, Inc. policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, prepare, and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences and classroom activities for preschool-age children.


• Implement the program's approved curriculum with fidelity and individualize learning experiences based on children's developmental levels, strengths, interests, needs, and assessment results.


• Promote children's progress in all areas of development and learning consistent with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards.


• Provide learning experiences that promote school readiness, including children's language and literacy development, early mathematics and science skills, problem-solving abilities, approaches to learning, physical development, and social-emotional development.


• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, organized, and nurturing classroom environment.


• Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions that support children's development, learning, and well-being.


• Provide active supervision of children at all times and ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios are maintained.


• Observe children regularly and use ongoing assessment information to monitor developmental progress and plan appropriate individualized learning experiences.


• Maintain accurate and timely classroom records, child observations, assessments, lesson plans, reports, and other required documentation.


• Adapt classroom activities and learning experiences to appropriately support children with disabilities, dual language learners, and children with other individualized needs.


• Use positive guidance and developmentally appropriate classroom management practices to support children's social and emotional development.


• Provide leadership and direction to the Teacher Assistant and other assigned classroom staff to ensure consistent classroom routines, supervision, curriculum implementation, and compliance with program requirements.


• Communicate and collaborate with parents and families regarding their child's development, progress, classroom experiences, and school readiness.


• Encourage family involvement in children's education and support positive relationships between children and their families.


• Participate in required parent conferences, home visits, family engagement activities, and other program activities.


• Collaborate with Family Service Workers, education staff, disabilities staff, health staff, and other program personnel to address the individual needs of children and families.


• Participate in staff meetings, training, coaching, professional development, and other activities required by the Head Start program and Wateree Community Actions, Inc.


• Maintain confidentiality of information concerning children, families, and employees.


• Follow all Head Start Program Performance Standards, applicable licensing requirements, agency policies and procedures, and health and safety requirements.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: At a minimum, the applicant must have one of the following:

• An Associate, Bachelor's, or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or


• An Associate, Bachelor's, or advanced degree in a related field with coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education and experience teaching preschool-age children; or


• Otherwise meet the applicable alternative credentialing and degree requirements established under Section 648A(a)(3)(B) of the Head Start Act.

Applicants must also have sufficient knowledge, training, experience, and competency to effectively perform the responsibilities of a Head Start Teacher and provide high-quality educational services to preschool-age children.

Experience teaching preschool-age children is preferred and is required when qualifying through a related-field degree with equivalent Early Childhood Education coursework.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Provide effective, responsive, and nurturing teacher-child interactions.


• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences.


• Effectively implement curriculum and use ongoing child assessment information to guide instruction.


• Promote children's progress across the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and applicable state early learning and development standards.


• Individualize learning experiences to meet the developmental needs of children.


• Appropriately support children with disabilities and dual language learners.


• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, positive, and engaging learning environment.


• Support children's social and emotional development.


• Effectively lead and manage a preschool classroom.


• Communicate and work effectively with children, families, coworkers, supervisors, and other program staff.


• Maintain accurate records and complete required documentation within established timelines.


• Work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team serving children and families.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must successfully complete all required background checks and screenings in accordance with Head Start, state, federal, and agency requirements.


• Must meet all applicable health and physical requirements for working in a Head Start classroom.


• Must obtain and maintain required First Aid and CPR certification.


• Must complete required pre-service, orientation, health and safety, and ongoing training.


• Must participate in ongoing professional development and maintain an individualized professional development plan as required by Head Start.


• Head Start Teachers are required to complete at least 15 clock hours of professional development annually in accordance with the Head Start Act.


• Must be physically able to actively supervise preschool-age children and perform duties necessary to ensure their health and safety, including responding appropriately during emergency situations.


• Must maintain all credentials, certifications, and other qualifications required for the position.