Early Head Start Teacher

Full-time

Location:

Harrisonville, MO, Cass County

The Early Head Start (EHS) Teacher has the primary responsibility to promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child in a safe and supervised educational environment. The EHS Teacher must involve parents in every aspect of the program, working with them to establish both long‑ and short‑term goals that will assure the necessary readiness outcomes needed for school success.

• Demonstrates respect for the capabilities, backgrounds and cultural differences of families, children, coworkers, and the public consistent with trauma‑informed practices and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Collaborates with First Steps, as needed, for children with disabilities.
• Develops and maintains respectful relationships with families and children to ensure daily needs of children are met through responsive caregiving practices and ensures the classroom curriculum adheres to research‑based child development principles.
• Implements curriculum that complies with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), Performance Standards, Missouri Accreditation requirements, state regulatory guidelines and CHS policies and procedures, allowing for both individual school readiness and group lesson plans that reflect parent input and cultural relevance.
• Provides non‑supervisory oversight of support staff, substitutes, and new staff in reference to daily classroom management, including lesson plan implementation, classroom schedules, room arrangements, and safety to meet all Head Start, state, and accreditation requirements and ratios.
• Educates and works with parents to ensure all health requirements of children in the classroom are up to date and all required screenings are completed as required by state childcare licensing and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ensures ongoing communication with parents through Procare, phone calls, home visits, conferences, distribution of newsletters, flyers, and other information, including organizing and assisting with monthly parent meetings to support and engage families in the program as instructed by supervisor.
• Responsible for home visits, parent trainings and parent conferences as required to meet program requirements, which includes meeting the needs of working families in the evening, if needed.
• Serves as a resource to enrolled families in identifying, referring, and assisting families in making connections to other supportive agencies to help families attain goals identified for the Individualized Family Partnership Plan and assists parents in improving their skills to optimize the home environment and attain self‑sufficiency.
• During Home Visits, assists families in identifying their child’s School Readiness Goals, supports family observation skills, and implements strategies for volunteering through co‑teaching at home the child’s individual school readiness goals that support the classroom’s learning objectives.
• In consultation with supervisor and/or coach, develops own professional development goals and coaching/training plans and actively pursues those goals.

• High school diploma or GED/HiSET and at a minimum one of the following: completion of the Infant & Toddler CDA credential, a comparable credential, or a degree from an accredited college in a directly related field, or the ability to obtain a CDA within 6 months of hire. Experience working with infants and toddlers is preferred.
• Must attend continuing training classes designed to broaden professionalism, education, and skills involving childcare and child development as required by Federal and State regulations; credentials must be maintained as a term of employment.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong computer skills.

• Must maintain Infant Toddler CPR, First Aid and AED certification.
• Must provide valid driver’s license and proof of personal vehicle insurance.
• Medical exam and TB assessment required prior to hire and again every 5 years.
• Background…