Teacher, Early Childhood Education

Apply for the Teacher I role at Save the Children US
.

Position Title:

Head Start Teacher

Employee Type:
Full-Time Regular

Supervisor

Title:

Center Director or Manager, Education & Inclusion

Division:
Head Start, U.S. Programs

Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children for over 100 years. The right to a healthy start in life, to access to education, and to be in 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 to promote social‑emotional, physical and cognitive growth appropriate to their development stage. You will manage the day‑to‑day operations of a Head Start classroom and ensure legal compliance with federal, state and local regulations. You will create and nurture strong partnerships with families, maintain program quality, and report directly to the Center Director or Manager of Education & Inclusion.

You may also supervise Teacher Assistants and work with Program Aides and Volunteers. As a front‑line representative of Save the Children, you must ensure the safety and security of children and families and adhere to our values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.

• Develop and implement individualized and group lesson plans and educational activities that promote all developmental areas and improve children’s readiness for school.
• Ensure a safe, healthy and developmentally‑appropriate learning environment.
• Build effective relationships within the organization, with children and their families.
• Maintain accurate records on paper and in designated online systems.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Plan, conduct and document observations, assessments and screenings; maintain a comprehensive portfolio assessment for each child.
• Keep the manager informed of important issues.
• Work with the Assistant Teacher, Program Aides and Volunteers to develop their skills and abilities.
• Engage with children during all activities throughout the day and provide constant supervision.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom and ensure it is safe.
• Provide a balanced program of child‑initiated and teacher‑directed activities for individual, small group and large group learning.
• Eat with and assist children in eating during mealtime to teach social and self‑help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Ensure the physical needs of children are met – rest, brushing teeth, diapering and toilet habits.
• Create ways to engage parents in the education of their children, including 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 keep parents/caregivers informed on progress.
• 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.
• Work closely with management to ensure the program meets Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Maintain constant alertness and active supervision to protect children’s safety.
• Document matching‑in‑kind activities, goods and services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Associate degree in child development, early childhood education or a related field with coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood education, and experience teaching preschool‑age children.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Established ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; excellent problem‑solving and time‑management skills.
• Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early…