Head Start Teacher

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority Head Start/Early Head Start; Morristown (TN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Sick leave and Personal time

Paid holidays

Job summary

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program is seeking a caring early childhood professional to create a nurturing classroom environment and support the growth of 0-5 year-olds while partnering with families and the broader community.

You will plan developmentally appropriate activities, observe progress, maintain required records, and collaborate with staff to deliver high-quality services, health and safety, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of preschool teaching experience.
• Pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases required.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification required.
• Pre-employment background check required.
• Valid Tennessee driver's license with reliable transportation; mileage reimbursed.
• Proof of auto liability insurance as necessary.
• Willingness to pursue ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and organized classroom environment.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning activities for each child.
• Observe, assess, and document children’s progress and development.
• Use positive guidance techniques to foster appropriate behavior.
• Supervise and actively interact with children during all activities.
• Build relationships with families through home visits, conferences, and ongoing communication.
• Maintain Head Start documentation, records, and reports.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.
• Lead and support classroom staff, substitutes, volunteers, and team members.
• Perform daily cleaning and maintenance to ensure a clean, safe environment.
• Encourage family participation in classroom, home, and community learning activities.
• Support family and community involvement through volunteering.
• Demonstrate professionalism and compliance with agency policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Strong communication

Teamwork

Record keeping

Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and caring professional to join our Head Start team. The ideal candidate will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment while supporting the growth and development of young children and fostering strong partnerships with families and the community.

What You'll Do

• Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and organized classroom environment.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning activities that support each child's individual needs and promote physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
• Observe, assess, document, and monitor children's progress and development.
• Use positive guidance techniques to encourage appropriate behavior and classroom engagement.
• Supervise and actively interact with children during all daily activities, both indoors and outdoors.
• Build positive relationships with families through home visits, parent-teacher conferences, meetings, and ongoing communication.
• Maintain required Head Start documentation, records, and reports in a timely manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Lead and support classroom staff, substitutes, volunteers, and team members by fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Perform daily cleaning and maintenance duties to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming indoor and outdoor learning environment.
• Welcome and encourage family participation in classroom, home, and community learning activities.
• Support family and community involvement through volunteer opportunities and contributions that help meet program requirements and strengthen services for children.
• Demonstrate professionalism and compliance with agency policies, procedures, and assigned responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by program leadership.

What We're Looking For

• Passion for working with young children and families.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and meet program requirements.
• Dedication to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Join our team and help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success!

Requirements

Education Requirements

• Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); or related degree.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of one year's experience teaching preschool children.
• Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
• Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
• Must agree to a pre-employment background check.
• Must have a valid Tennessee driver's license and available transportation for work-related duties with mileage reimbursed.
• Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
• Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance

About Us

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves more than 700 children ages 0-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive support to access free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

Our employees have access to:

• Up to 14 paid holidays per year
• Sick leave and Personal time
• Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan
• Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System
• Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.