Teacher Early Head Start

Thornwell; Clinton (SC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Thornwell seeks a dedicated early childhood educator to plan, supervise, and implement engaging curriculum in an assigned classroom. The role emphasizes high-quality, culturally sensitive care for enrolled children and families.

Responsibilities include training, lesson planning with a co-teacher, observations and assessments using Teaching Strategies Gold, and regular parent conferences. Commitment to professionalism and Christian-centered care is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ with a high school diploma or GED and, at minimum, a 2-year degree in Early Childhood Education/Development or related fields, and/or infant-toddler CDA or ECD 101 credential.
• At least six months of experience as a teacher/caregiver in a licensed or approved childcare facility.
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to SC DSS Childcare Licensing and Thornwell policies.
• Attend ongoing training; responsible for 15+ training hours annually.
• Plan, supervise, and implement classroom program per Center guidelines.
• Collaborate with co-teacher on weekly lesson plans and newsletters.
• Prepare learning environment and materials; ensure proper postings.
• Conduct observations, assessments, and parent conferences; document in TSG.
• Hold fall, winter, and spring conferences on child development.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality with families and staff.
• Communicate with parents via daily comments, newsletters, and planning calendar.
• Greet families warmly and support children in making choices and building self-esteem.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication skills

Nurturing approach

Child engagement

Feedback delivery

Time management

Professional development

Education

HS diploma or GED; 2-year Early Childhood Education/Development or related field; infant-toddler CDA or ECD 101 credential

Job description

The well-qualified individual must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive care and services to enrolled children and their families.

Possess the ability to plan, supervise, and implement curriculum in an assigned classroom.

Possess the ability to manage and foster a positive learning environment where children grow, learn, and thrive.

Core Responsibilities

• Adhere to all SC DSS Childcare Licensing, Office of Head Start, ABC Quality, and Thornwell Child Development Center policies and procedures.
• Participate in recommended training programs, conferences, courses, and other aspects of professional growth; will be responsible for 15 (plus) training hours each calendar year.
• Plan, supervise, and implement the program for the assigned class in accordance with the guidelines of the program and the policies, procedures, and philosophy of the Center.
• Participate in weekly planning sessions with co-teacher to create and develop lesson plans (small group and individual) to be turned into the director at least one week in advance, implement and post plans (lesson plans and weekly newsletters must be posted and sent home each Monday) and prepare the learning environment with needed materials and supplies.
• Set up, plan, and prepare the learning environment and prepare needed materials and supplies.
• Prepare and complete all required observations, assessments, documentation, and parent-teacher conferences. Complete and enter observations and documentation into Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG). Assist in the ongoing evaluation procedures needed to assess the developmental levels of children.
• Conduct parent conferences in the Fall, Winter, and Spring of each year and any other time during the year that is needed on children’s school adjustment, classroom behavior, and development levels.
• Always maintain a professional, positive attitude and loyalty to the Center’s administrative team, its staff, children, and families.
• Keep the Director informed of accidents, illnesses, suspicious marks on children’s bodies, and questionable behavior of children in the classroom while maintaining confidentiality.
• Inform the Director of needed materials and/or supplies at least one week in advance.
• Provide a folder with alternate lesson plans and helpful information for substitutes.
• Assist the Director in keeping accurate records on all children.
• Ability to communicate with parents using the provided daily comments form, weekly newsletter, and planning calendar.
• Greet children and families with a smile and a personal welcome or goodbye.
• Assist children in making choices for themselves, speaking for themselves, and building self-esteem by incorporating age-appropriate practices and techniques, positive guidance and redirection” and the “Conscious Discipline” approach.
• Assume responsibility for the general housekeeping duties of the EHS classroom, its furnishings, toys, manipulatives, and bathrooms.

Working Conditions

Works in a classroom environment that may require standing for extended periods of time and/or walking around the classroom to provide adequate supervision of classroom children. We must also ensure that the required teacher/child ratios are maintained. Daily outdoor playtime is required. Utilizes office equipment, including laptops, printers, and scanners, to support position responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and at minimum a 2-year degree in Early Childhood Education/Development or related fields, and/or infant-toddler CDA or ECD 101 credential.
• Must have at least six months of experience as a teacher/caregiver in a licensed or approved childcare facility.
• Must be certified in pediatric First Aid/CPR.

Skills

• Must be skilled in classroom management.
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate nurturing and responsive manner with children.
• Must possess the ability to interact and engage well with children and families.
• Must possess the ability to communicate feedback in a supportive, positive way.
• Must possess the ability to prioritize and organize one’s time and responsibilities to complete the required job tasks in a timely manner.
• Must possess the ability to commit to self-development and continued learning.

Thornwell is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and prefers to employ individuals who are Christians and who possess a Christian commitment, as well as concern, for children and families in need.