Teacher I, Head Start

Save the Children; Newbern (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Head Start Teacher to develop and implement educational plans for preschool children. This role involves managing classroom operations and fostering partnerships with families to enhance the quality of the program. The ideal candidate will possess an associate degree in child development and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills.

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Leave policies

Qualifications

• Relevant coursework and preschool teaching experience required.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Participation in required training, including first aid and CPR.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement lesson plans that support developmental areas.
• Create a safe and healthy learning environment.
• Engage parents in their child's education through meetings and home visits.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational

Problem-solving

Education

Associate degree in child development or early childhood education

Job description

Position Title: Teacher, Head Start

Employee Type: Full-Time Regular

Supervisor Title: Center Director or Manager, Education & Inclusion

Division: U.S. Programs & Advocacy

Summary

The Head Start Teacher develops and implements educational plans for preschool children, promoting social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth appropriate to their development stage. Responsibilities include managing daily classroom operations, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering strong partnerships with families to uphold program quality.

The Head Start Teacher reports to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion and may supervise Teacher Assistants, Program Aides, and Volunteers.

As a representative of Save the Children, the teacher must ensure child safety, adhere to core values, and uphold child safeguarding practices, including preventing and reporting abuse.

Essential Duties

1. Develop and implement lesson plans and activities that support all developmental areas and enhance school readiness.
2. Create a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
3. Build effective relationships with colleagues, children, and families.
4. Maintain accurate records and confidentiality.
5. Conduct observations, assessments, and maintain portfolios for each child.
6. Communicate important issues to the manager.
7. Collaborate with team members to develop skills and plan classroom activities.
8. Supervise children actively during indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring safety.
9. Use the playground as an extension of the classroom, ensuring its safety.
10. Provide balanced child-initiated and teacher-directed activities, including mealtime assistance and health routines.
11. Engage parents in their child's education through meetings and home visits.
12. Develop and review classroom equipment and supplies annually.
13. Participate in professional development and ensure compliance with Head Start standards.
14. Maintain alertness and ensure children's safety at all times.
15. Document and mobilize matching activities, goods, and services.
16. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or related field with relevant coursework and preschool teaching experience.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
• Ability to relate sensitively with children and maintain confidentiality.
• Participation in required training, including first aid and CPR.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Physical ability to perform duties, including lifting up to 50 pounds, and passing background and health checks. Valid driver’s license required if operating a vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English/Spanish or other relevant languages.

Benefits and Organizational Values

Save the Children offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, and more. We are committed to anti-racism, diversity, and equal employment opportunity, and prioritize child safety and program integrity.