Teacher, Child Development​/Support

Position

Head Start Teacher

Employment type:

Full-Time Regular

Supervisor:
Center Director or Manager, Education & Inclusion

Division:
Head Start, U.S. Programs

Seniority level:
Entry level

Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children for over 100 years. The right to a healthy start in life, access to education, and a safe environment protected from harm. We work in some of the world’s hardest‑to‑reach places – over 100 countries, including the U.S. No matter what your role is, when you join Save the Children, you’re creating positive, irreversible change for children, and the future we all share.

The Head Start Teacher develops and implements individual and group educational plans for preschool children, designed to promote social‑emotional, physical and cognitive growth in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. You will be responsible for the general day‑to‑day operations of a Head Start classroom and must verify legal compliance with federal, state and local regulations. You will create and nurture strong partnerships with families and ensure that the program quality remains at the highest standards.

You will report directly to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion, and may also supervise Teacher Assistants and seek support in the classroom from Program Aides and Volunteers. As a front‑line representative, you are required to ensure the safety and security of children and families, adhering to Save the Children’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.

• Develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities that promote all developmental areas to improve readiness for school.
• Ensure a safe, healthy and developmentally‑appropriate learning environment.
• Build effective relationships within the organization, the children and their families.
• Maintain accurate records, both on paper and in designated online systems.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Plan, conduct and document observations, assessments and screenings; maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child including weekly observations, examples of the child’s work and developmental assessments.
• Keep manager informed of important issues.
• Work with the Assistant Teacher, Program Aides and Volunteers to develop their skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
• Engage with children during all activities throughout the day. Provide constant supervision indoors and outdoors and ensure a safe environment.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure it is safe.
• Provide a balanced program of child‑initiated and teacher‑directed activities and opportunities for individual, small group and large group learning.
• Eat with and assist children during mealtime to teach social and self‑help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Ensure the physical needs of children are met, assisting children in health and personal habits such as resting, brushing teeth, diapering and toilet habits.
• Create ways to engage parents in the education of their children, encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
• Create an inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies annually.
• Plan and conduct conferences (minimum
  2) and home visits (minimum
  2) or more often as needed to ensure parents/caregivers are well informed on their child’s progress, routines, activities and behavior.
• Work in cooperation with the Manager of Education & Inclusion to develop and document progress on a professional development plan; actively engage in professional development activities to increase qualifications.
• Work closely with management to ensure program compliments Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• This position requires the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and protect the children’s safety by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
• Ensure the mobilization and documentation of matching‑in‑kind activities, goods and services.
• Perform…