Teacher

SWHRA; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement

Holidays

Dental/Vision

Life/LTD

Paid time off

Job summary

Southwest Human Resource Agency in Kentucky is seeking a Head Start Teacher to manage daily operations in a pre-school classroom for up to 20 children. You will ensure compliance with program policies and create a safe, enriching learning environment reporting to the ECD Manager.

Requirements include an AA or higher in Early Childhood Education with 18 ECE credits; strong written, verbal and computer skills; a transcript is required. Applications accepted until Nov 8, 2026.

Qualifications

• AA or higher in Early Childhood Education with 18 credit hours in ECE.
• Excellent written, verbal, and computer skills.
• Must pass physical exam, TB screening, drug screen, and background check.
• Original college transcript required to verify coursework.

Responsibilities

• Carry out a program of instruction for a preschool classroom of up to 20 children, meeting policies.
• Supervise an Assistant Teacher and Classroom Aide.
• Make home visits and encourage parent involvement.
• Coordinate enrollment and family needs with staff.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Computer skills

Education

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Salary: Based on education (Minimum salary $16.91 per hr.)

Benefits include: 100% Premium Paid State of TN Health Insurance. 100% Paid State of Tennessee Retirement, State paid Holidays, 100% premium paid Dental/Vision, Life / LTD, paid Time Off.

Position Overview

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for managing daily operations in a pre-school classroom, ensuring compliance with program policies and providing a safe, enriching environment for children. This position reports directly to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Manager.

Job Duties Include: Carry out a program of instruction ensuring program policies and procedures are being met for a pre-school classroom of up to 20 children, supervise an Assistant Teacher and Classroom Aide. Make home visits, encourage parent involvement, and work closely with other staff concerning enrollment and meeting the needs of families.

Basic Qualifications: Applicant must possess an AA or higher degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with 18 credit hours of Early Childhood Education. Applicant should also possess good written, verbal, and computer skills. Experience and/or training in working with pre-school children is desired. Must pass physical exam, TB screening, drug screen, and criminal/fingerprint background check.

AN ORIGINAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY RELEVANT COURSEWORK

Southwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Accepting applications until November 8, 2026 or until filled.

SOUTHWESTHUMAN RESOURCE AGENCY

SouthwestHuman Resource Agency (SWHRA) is a publicnon-profit organization created to deliver essential Human Resources services.Established in 1982 under the Human Resources Act of 1973 by the TennesseeGeneral Assembly, SWHRA has had a significant positive impact on thousands ofindividuals throughout the Southwest Tennessee Region via its numerous programsand services.

Serving the public requires thehighest standards of ethics, integrity, and professional excellence. Southwestis committed to providing unbiased, high-value services to its clients, and weexpect our employees, consultants, and contractors to uphold the highestethical business practices.

All Southwest employees must:

• Maintain professional conductat all times.
• Respect the rights of allemployees, clients, and vendors to fair treatment, free from harassment.
• Perform responsibilities withhonesty, cooperation, and effectiveness.
• Avoid any real or perceivedconflicts of interest in business relationships or using their positionfor personal gain.
• Accurately charge and recordall costs on timesheets, expense reports, purchase requisitions, travelvouchers, and other business records.
• Protect Southwest and clientproperty from theft, damage, or misuse and accurately account for itslocation.
• Safeguard sensitiveinformation and the rights of employees and clients.
• Ensure human health, safety,and environmental protection within the scope of their responsibilities.

Position Overview

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for managing daily operations in a pre-school classroom, ensuring compliance with program policies and providing a safe, enriching environment for children. This position reports directly to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Classroom Supervision & Safety:
  
  • Ensure the health and safety of all children in the classroom.
  • Maintain at least two adults in the classroom at all times when children are present.
• Classroom Management:
  
  • Maintain and implement a daily schedule that reflects early childhood development principles and meets the needs of the children.
  • Oversee and direct teaching staff and volunteers, training them to take over classroom responsibilities when necessary.
• Compliance & Program Implementation:
  
  • Ensure adherence to operational policies, including Federal Performance Standards, DHS Licensure Rules, health and fire inspections, and sanitation guidelines.
  • Coordinate field trips with the ECD Manager and Child Health Services Manager.
• Lesson Planning & Teaching:
  
  • Prepare, post, and implement lesson plans and activities based on early childhood development.
  • Collaborate with staff to document and assess children, developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) through screenings like Brigance and assessments via Teaching Strategies.
• Parental & Family Engagement:
  
  • Engage with parents and family members to share information and encourage participation in Head Start activities.
  • Assist in organizing the Head Start Parent Committee and documenting parent participation as volunteers.
  • Conduct two home visits and two Parent-Teacher conferences annually.
• Documentation & Record Keeping:
  
  • Ensure the accurate and timely completion of classroom and family records.
  • Maintain up-to-date records for all component areas and submit required reports to Area Manager or Site Supervisor.
  • Assist with attendance and meal counts for ChildPlus database entry.
• Special Education Support:
  
  • Work with Local Education Authorities (LEAs) and other Head Start staff to develop and implement IEPs for children with special needs.
• Collaborate with the Family and Community Partnerships Manager, Family Case Managers, and other staff to meet the specific needs of children and their families.
• Assist in providing input for annual performance evaluations of staff assigned to the facility.
• Assist other staff and perform janitorial duties as needed to maintain classroom cleanliness.
• Professional Development:
  
  • Attend relevant training sessions, workshops, and conferences related to early childhood education.
  • Collaborate with the Education Coach to set goals and improve skills annually.
• General Support:
  
  • Request necessary supplies and equipment for the classroom.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Area Manager or Site Coordinator.

Key Relationships

Internal Partnerships:

• Classroom Aide
• Family Case Manager
• Head Start Managers
• Head Start Director
• Executive Director

External Partnerships:

• Customers
• Public School Personnel
• Licensing Representatives

Requires Qualifications & Skills

• Educational Requirements:
  • Graduation from an accredited two-year program (Associate Degree) in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with at least 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one year of experience working with pre-school-aged children.
• Skills:
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making abilities.
  • Proficiency in managing detailed and confidential information.
  • Strong written, verbal, and computer skills.

Per-Employment Requirements

• Successful completion of a physical examination, drug screening, criminal background check, and fingerprinting.