Head Start Teacher

Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska; Lexington (NE); On-site; USD 28,075 - 35,004; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska in Lexington is seeking a Head Start Teacher responsible for providing developmentally appropriate activities for children in a safe and engaging classroom environment. This full-time role is designed for an individual with a passion for early childhood education, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on children's lives.

Candidates should possess at least a High School Diploma and a degree in Early Childhood Education, along with strong communication skills, leadership abilities, and the ability to work effectively with families.

Qualifications

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with families and staff.
• Basic computer skills.
• Obtain and maintain required Teacher certifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide developmentally appropriate activities for children.
• Ensure implementation of the High Scope curriculum.
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences.

Skills

Establish and maintain effective working relationships

Provide leadership

Bi-Lingual: Spanish and English

Excellent communication skills

Work independently and as part of a team

Education

High School Diploma or GED and AA or Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

Position

Head Start Teacher

Program and Location

Head Start, Lexington

Position Summary

The Teacher is responsible for direct contact with children in the classroom, providing developmentally appropriate activities on a daily basis, challenging them at their level, and encouraging success for all students. The Teacher also provides a safe, pleasant, active learning and problem‑solving environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide experiences that advance the intellectual and physical development of children, establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment, and support the social and emotional development of children.
• Ensure implementation of the High Scope curriculum which includes active learning and practices that are developmentally appropriate.
• Ensure initial and mid‑year home visits, along with two parent/staff conferences are complete.
• Ensure classroom management and lesson planning/implementation.
• Recruit, maintain, and train classroom volunteers throughout the program year.
• Ensure implementation of oral health practices.
• Be actively engaged in all Head Start activities and model appropriate behavior.

Tasks and Duties

• Train and mentor classroom staff.
• Track daily attendance.
• Ensure completion of developmental and social emotional screenings.
• Ensure speech screenings and child growth assessments are completed.
• Ensure the playground is a safe environment.
• Attend annual center open house.
• Update center inventory annually.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED and AA or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field. Equivalent coursework will be considered.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective relationship with Head Start families, other agency employees and the general public.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to provide leadership to classroom staff, parents/guardians and classroom volunteers.
• Obtain and maintain current required Teacher certifications.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the general public and agency employees.
• Must keep all agency matters confidential.
• All Head Start employees are expected to abide by the Standards of Conduct.

Required Skills

• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with Head Start families, other agency employees and the general public.
• Ability to provide leadership to classroom staff, parents/guardians and classroom volunteers.
• Bi-Lingual: Spanish and English
• Model appropriate and professional behavior.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills.

Schedule/Hours

The hours are 40 hours a week for 42 weeks. Scheduled hours are generally between 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Monday‑Friday. This position has summer months off. Head Start employees who have summer months off are eligible to apply for unemployment during this layoff period.

Pay Rate

$20.38 - $25.41 per hour. Starting wage will depend on education and experience and additional compensation will be considered for individuals with a BA in a related field or in Early Childhood Education.