Teacher - Head Start

Apply now Job no: 509794
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 012102 - Human Sciences
- Early Childhood
Location: Hancock County
Categories: Support Staff, Head Start Positions
Position Open Date: Sep 25 2025

Position Function:

This position is responsible for an Early Head Start classroom. The EHS teacher will attend to the children’s safety and welfare while collaborating with family members and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Throughout its history, Mississippi State University-Extension (MSU-ES) has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to programs that directly impact young children and their families. In the past decade, MSU-ES has distinguished itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education.

Area of Specialization:

MSU-Extension Head Start Programs - Hancock County

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following examples are intended as illustrations only of the various types of duties assigned to this position. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.

• Demonstrate a warm, calm, and unhurried manner while serving as a positive role model for children and families.

• Provide individualized education, care, safety, and well-being for all infants/toddlers in the class.

• Meet each child’s social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs through nurturing interactions and planning.

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning activities using the Integrated Approach, incorporating Head Start content areas of health, nutrition, and parent involvement.

• Prepare and arrange the physical environment and child development materials to meet the changing needs of infants and toddlers.

• Serve as the primary provider for a small group of children, ensuring consistent and responsive caregiving.

• Observe children daily for safety and assessment purposes, maintaining accurate child assessment records and documentation.

• Provide individualized plans for each child to support growth and development, including children with special needs.

• Schedule and conduct at least three home visits and two parent-teacher conferences per year, documenting all meetings appropriately.

• Establish and maintain ongoing communication with families to strengthen family engagement and partnerships.

• Supervise and guide children during mealtime, toileting/diapering, handwashing, rest periods, and play activities, promoting healthy routines and independence.

• Model exemplary classroom practices consistent with the Teacher Success Rubric and CLASS, mentoring assistants, new staff, and volunteers.

• Maintain a safe, clean, sanitary, and pleasant classroom environment that supports child development.

• Participate actively in planning, assessment, evaluation of program content, and development of classroom resources.

• Attend staff meetings, in-service training, and professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in early childhood and Head Start standards.

• Adhere to all MSU Extension Head Start Program and University personnel policies, as well as MS Child Care Licensing Standards and Early Head Start Performance Standards.

• Report concerns regarding child development, classroom management, or family needs.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure high-quality services for children and families.

Teacher Success Rubric:

• CLASS teacher-child interactions

• Learning environment

• Curriculum

• Child assessment

• Meeting all children’s needs

• Working with families

• Professional growth and collaboration

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• AA/AS in Early Childhood Education or related field.
Substitution:

• An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Licensures:

• Valid driver’s license

• Certification in CPR and First Aid – Will be required to obtain within the first nine (9) months of employment. Certification must be maintained.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Early…