Teacher, Early Head Start

Job Title: Teacher, Early Head Start

Reports to: Education Center Supervisor

Division/Department: University Relations/School for Early Childhood Education

Job Location: Los Angeles

Direct Reports: None

USC's School for Early Childhood Education is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality early childhood education services to children and their families in the South Los Angeles area. Founded in 1970 as a teaching school for future early-childhood professionals, the USC School for Early Childhood Education (USC SECE) seeks to promote school readiness, health/nutrition, mental wellness, and family engagement. Today, our licensed Head Start and Early Head Start centers serve more than 500 infants and pre‑school children and their parents each year.

We are seeking enthusiastic, creative, dynamic, and team‑oriented individuals who enjoy working with children while fostering a supportive learning environment.

The Teacher, Early Head Start (EHS) is responsible for initiating, planning, and implementing the education program within the classroom in accordance with Head Start Federal and State regulations, policies, procedures, and philosophy. With the assistance of assigned program staff, this role facilitates the personal care, learning, and development of a group of infants or toddlers under three years old.

• Leads the planning and implementation of personal care, as well as daily educational and recreational activities.
• Prepares learning environment in conjunction with teachers; sets up materials for individual or group instruction.
• Maintains the ongoing health, safety, and upkeep of the learning environment.
• Provides relationship‑based care in daily routines such as mealtime, toileting, hand washing, and napping for preschool‑age children.
• Diaper‑changing duties are required for Early Head Start (EHS).
• Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Collaborates with the team on developing and implementing daily lesson plans.
• Conducts assessments, develops individual development plans, and records ongoing observations of children in assigned groups.
• Prepares and conducts parent‑teacher conferences and home visits for each child in the assigned classroom environment/setting according to the schedule of requirements.
• Utilizes classroom materials and routines to promote an environment conducive to appropriate levels of development, interests, and specific needs of the children.
• Maintains effective and professional relationships with enrolled families.
• Maintains a safe and healthy classroom environment following Head Start Program Performance Standards, Title 5, and Title 22 Regulations.
• Attends regular staff meetings as scheduled by the Site Supervisor and Administration.
• Practices awareness of safe lifting techniques for lifting children, supplies, and furnishings, and commits to using preventive health measures in the classroom to prevent the spread of disease.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Site Supervisor, Associate Director, Assistant Director, and Administration.
• Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words, and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

• Associate’s Degree in Child Development or related field.
• One year of classroom experience.
• Demonstrated written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with the internet and computer applications/software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Windows).
• Teacher Permit or equivalent (24 ECE units, including at least 6 units in infant/toddler care).
• BLS/CPR Infant and Child First Aid/CPR certification.
• Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Certification obtained within the first year.

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or related field.
• Two years of classroom experience.
• Ability to create and implement daily curriculum plans.
• Ability to work harmoniously in a multi‑cultural team.
• Ability to promote a feeling of security and trust in infants and toddlers, and preschool‑age children by being warm, supportive, and comforting.
• A caring, compassionate…