Head Start Teacher (FT) - Grace Early Learning Center

YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 44,200 - 59,800; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South seeks a Head Start Teacher (FT) for Grace Early Learning Center in Cordova, TN. You will lead a Head Start classroom and support the academic, social, and emotional development of young children.

Responsibilities include coaching assistants, delivering a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Tennessee standards, maintaining portfolios, and communicating with families. The role requires planning events and ensuring safety and licensing compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
• Any degree with at least 24 hours of early childhood coursework.
• Current CDA credential or CDA enrollment within first year.
• Enrollment in an early childhood program (Teach for America, Relay, University of MC Grow Your Own, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Lead classroom and uphold all classroom standards.
• Coach and support assistant teachers in planning and implementing the daily schedule and structure.
• Provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum meeting Tennessee standards.
• Complete developmental portfolios for enrolled children.
• Communicate with parents regarding child development through daily tools and conferences.
• Maintain clean, stimulating, and orderly program spaces.
• Submit order requests for supplies, equipment, and materials in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and complete records.
• Ensure emergency procedures meet or exceed safety and licensing standards.
• Plan and conduct parent involvement events.
• Participate in planning program promotion and publicity.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and required trainings.
• Comply with risk management standards.
• Ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
• Maintain required training hours per TN DHS.
• Model communication and leadership to classroom team.
• Assume additional duties as assigned by Center Director or Child Care Coordinator.

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education

Any degree with at least 24 hours of early childhood coursework

Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or CDA enrollment within first year

Enrollment in an early childhood program (Teach for America, Relay, Grow Your Own, etc.)

Job description

Position

Head Start Teacher (FT) – Grace Early Learning Center

Location

Cordova, TN

Job Type

Full‑time

Role Overview

Responsible for ensuring the successful operation of an early learning Head Start classroom, supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of young children.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead assigned classroom and ensure all classroom standards are met.
• Coach and support assistant teachers in planning and implementing the daily schedule and structure.
• Provide a high quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum meeting Tennessee early education standards.
• Complete developmental portfolios on enrolled children.
• Communicate with parents regarding child development through daily tools and conferences.
• Maintain clean, stimulating, and orderly program spaces.
• Submit order requests for supplies, equipment, and materials in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and complete records.
• Ensure emergency procedures meet or exceed all safety and licensing standards.
• Plan and conduct parent involvement events (parent group, picnics, holidays, parent/child activities).
• Participate in planning program promotion and publicity.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and required trainings.
• Comply with risk management standards.
• Ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
• Maintain required training and education hours per the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services.
• Model superior communication and leadership to classroom team.
• Assume additional duties as assigned by Center Director or Child Care Coordinator.

Qualifications

• At least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
• Any degree in a related field with at least 24 hours of early childhood coursework.
• Any degree with a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or enrollment to complete a CDA within the first year.
• Any degree with enrollment in an early childhood program (Teach for America, Relay, University of MC Grow Your Own, etc.).

Work Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; evenings and weekends may be required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping.
• Exposure to outdoor elements.
• Exposure to electrical/mechanical mechanisms.
• Exposure to some chemical elements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

Salary: $52,000 annually.

Important Child–Protection Statement

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is committed to preventing child abuse. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation.