Head Start Teacher

acelero; New Jersey; On-site; USD 62,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA with company contributions

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Acelero Learning Monmouth Middlesex County - Livingston Center in New Jersey is seeking a Head Start Teacher to lead a classroom of 3-5 year-olds. You will collaborate with an assistant, families, and staff to promote positive outcomes for every child.

You will implement developmentally appropriate, print-rich activities and adapt plans to individual needs, including IEPs for students with disabilities, while ensuring a safe, nurturing environment and strong family partnerships.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or equivalent coursework.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
• Must have a valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Implements a child-centered curriculum and learning environment to support development in all domains for children of all abilities.
• Addresses challenging behaviors by observing to determine causes and partnering with families to support the child at home.
• Uses observations of children and anecdotal notes to document progress and individualize curriculum.
• Creates partnerships with families to establish positive interaction patterns in program, school, and home.
• Provides classroom experiences that are developmentally, linguistically, culturally, and age-appropriate for the children served.
• Implements daily lesson plans in response to children's needs and interests incorporating observations and knowledge of early childhood development.
• Integrates Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities.
• Provides children with a consistent classroom routine.
• Provides supervision and ensures the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with licensing requirements.

Skills

Classroom management

Family engagement

Observational assessment

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or equivalent coursework

Job description

Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for leading a Head Start classroom of 3-5 year old children. The position works collaboratively with an assistant teacher, family members and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young children's inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.

Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.

What You'll Do:

• Implements a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation to promote development in all domains for children of all abilities.
• Addresses challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes of the behavior, implementing preventive measures, teaching the child new social and communication skills, and partnering with families to support the child at home.
• Uses observations of children and anecdotal notes to document children's progress and individualize curriculum.
• Creates partnerships with families to establish positive interaction patterns in program, school, and home.
• Provides classroom experiences that are developmentally, linguistically, culturally, and age- appropriate for the children served.
• Provides a print rich environment in which children develop literacy, numeracy and social skills using increasingly complex language and problem-solving abilities.
• Implements daily lesson plans in response to children's needs and interests incorporating observations, anecdotal record keeping, knowledge of early childhood development and the key experiences.
• Integrates Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities.
• Provides children with a consistent classroom routine.
• Provides supervision and ensures the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with Head Start and daycare licensing requirements.

What You'll Bring:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or equivalent coursework, or otherwise meets the requirements of the Head Start Act.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
• Must have a valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation.

When/Where/How Much:

When: Fall 2026

Where: Acelero Learning Monmouth Middlesex County - Livingston Center

How Much: $ 61,789.89 per year + Comprehensive Benefits Package

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $800 annually
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 4% company match and immediate vesting
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
• Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support
• Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks

Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?

• Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
• Supportive working environment
• Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment
• Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.