Head Start Teacher
Reports To: Site Manager
Primary Purpose:
The Head Start Teacher is responsible for creating a developmentally appropriate, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for preschool-aged children. This role ensures the implementation of Head Start Performance Standards, providing high-quality early childhood education that supports children's cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. The teacher fosters strong relationships with children, families, and staff while using research-based curricula and assessments to guide instruction. Additionally, the teacher maintains compliance with licensing regulations, promotes family engagement, and collaborates with colleagues to ensure the success of each child in a safe, nurturing, and enriching classroom environment.
Essential Duties & Qualifications
Plan & Implement Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum – Deliver engaging, research-based instruction aligned with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) and state standards.
Create a Positive & Inclusive Learning Environment – Foster a safe, nurturing, and responsive classroom that supports children's social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
Conduct Ongoing Assessments – Observe, document, and assess children’s progress using approved assessment tools to individualize instruction and support growth.
Promote Family Engagement – Build strong partnerships with families, provide regular communication on child progress, and encourage family participation in program activities.
Ensure Health & Safety Compliance – Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment while adhering to licensing, health, and safety regulations.
Implement Behavior Support Strategies – Use positive guidance techniques to promote self-regulation, problem-solving, and social-emotional development.
Collaborate with Staff & Specialists – Work with teacher assistants, support staff, and specialists to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities or special needs.
Maintain Accurate Records & Documentation – Complete lesson plans, attendance, assessments, and other required documentation in compliance with Head Start and program policies.
Engage in Professional Development - Participate in training, coaching, and ongoing professional growth opportunities to enhance teaching effectiveness.
Support Smooth Transitions for Children – Assist children in transitioning to kindergarten by developing school-readiness skills and collaborating with families and receiving schools.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)/Child development or if a different field with at least 15 credit hours in ECE
- 3 months experience working with preschool-aged children in an early childhood setting
- Must successfully complete a background check and physical examination in accordance with program requirements
- Willing to obtain COR Advantage Assessment certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) or a related field
- Texas Teacher Certification in EC-3, EC-6 or SPED EC-12
- 1 year experience working with preschool-aged children in an early childhood setting
- Head Start experience or familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards and ELOF
- Experience working with dual-language learners and children with disabilities
- Training in CLASS, Conscious Discipline, or other early childhood best practices
- CPR and First Aid Certification
Career Progression
This position is eligible for promotion/transfer. If an appropriate position is available, the employee must meet minimum qualifications, including the promotion/transfer eligibility guidelines.
Work Environment
Travel
- This position may be required to travel up to 0-10%
Physical Demands & Work Conditions
- Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during classroom activities and outdoor play
- Must be able to reach, stretch, and perform repetitive motions when assisting children or setting up the classroom
- Ability to lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs.
- Clear vision and hearing to observe, monitor, and respond to children’s needs and ensure child safety
- Must be able to adapt to changing schedules, classroom needs and emergencies as required
The physical requirements for this position, with or without reasonable accommodation, are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.
This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.