Preschool Teacher

The Head Start Preschool Teacher is responsible for providing a high-quality early learning experience for children ages 3-5 in a Head Start classroom. The Teacher works collaboratively with an Assistant Teacher, families, and support staff to promote children's school readiness, social-emotional development, and overall success. This position creates a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment while implementing curriculum, conducting assessments, and building strong family partnerships.

Essential Responsibilities

Classroom Instruction & Child Development

• Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences aligned with Head Start School Readiness Goals.
• Foster children's cognitive, language, literacy, social-emotional, and physical development.
• Create engaging learning opportunities through small-group activities, circle time, read-alouds, hands-on exploration, and play-based learning.
• Provide individualized support based on each child's strengths, interests, and developmental needs.
• Utilize ongoing observations and assessment data to guide lesson planning and instruction.
• Complete quarterly child assessments and use results to individualize learning experiences.

CLASS™ Teacher-Child Interactions

• Create a positive emotional climate where children feel safe, valued, and supported.
• Encourage child autonomy, self-expression, and positive peer interactions.
• Establish clear behavioral expectations and implement positive behavior guidance strategies.
• Maximize instructional time and classroom engagement.
• Promote higher-order thinking through questioning, problem-solving, feedback, and language-rich interactions.
• Maintain high-quality teacher-child interactions consistent with CLASS® expectations and program standards.

Classroom Management & Safety

• Maintain a safe, healthy, clean, and organized learning environment.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, childcare licensing regulations, and program policies.
• Conduct daily health and safety inspections of the classroom and outdoor spaces.
• Follow all health, sanitation, handwashing, and universal precaution procedures.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Supervise mealtime activities and support healthy eating practices.

Assessment & Documentation

• Complete developmental and social-emotional screenings within required timelines.
• Develop and implement Individualized Learning Plans for children.
• Support and implement Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and other individualized services.
• Maintain accurate child and family records, assessment documentation, and required reports.
• Complete all required reports and documentation in a timely manner.

Family Engagement

• Build positive, respectful, and productive relationships with families.
• Conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually.
• Encourage family participation in classroom and program activities.
• Collaborate with Family Services staff to support family goals, attendance, and school readiness efforts.
• Maintain ongoing communication with families regarding their child's progress and development.

Teamwork & Professional Development

• Collaborate with Assistant Teachers, substitutes, and multidisciplinary support staff.
• Participate in reflective coaching, professional development, staff meetings, and program trainings.
• Support classroom staff with curriculum implementation and continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in case conferences and team planning meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• AA/AS in Early Childhood Education OR BA/BS in Early Childhood Education -OR- state awarded preschool teacher certification with experience teaching preschool aged children-OR- BA/BS in related fields with at least fifteen college courses in Early Childhood Education plus experience teaching preschool aged children. BA Highly preferred.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Travel required locally up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.