Teacher

Hourly Compensation: $20.37–$23.32 per hour

Role Overview

Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: School Year Position (August–June)
Work Setting: In-person, classroom-based

The Lead Head Start Teacher serves as the primary instructional leader in an infant and toddler classroom (birth to age three) or 3-5. This position is responsible for designing and maintaining a safe, responsive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes early growth, school readiness skills, and meaningful family partnerships. The Lead Teacher collaborates closely with classroom staff and families to ensure high-quality implementation of Early Head Start Performance Standards.

Compensation Structure

• Level 1: $20.37 per hour

Associate degree plus a minimum of three years of experience in an infant/toddler or early childhood classroom

• Level 2: $23.32 per hour

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field

• Hiring Bonus: $1,000 incentive awarded after 90 days of employment with a successful performance evaluation

Benefits & Incentives

• Medical insurance beginning the first of the month following 30 days of employment
• Immediate enrollment in a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 7% employer contribution
• Paid time off package including:
• Accrued sick leave
• Three personal days
• Seventeen paid holidays, including a paid birthday
• Tuition assistance for approved educational programs
• Ongoing professional development, coaching, and training opportunities
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Cell phone service discounts of up to 18%

Minimum Qualifications (Level 1)

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, or
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in another discipline with:
• A minimum of 15 early childhood education credits, or
• A valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Additional minimum requirements:

• At least three years of experience working with children from birth to age five
• Experience in infant and/or toddler classrooms preferred

Preferred Qualifications (Level 2)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field with relevant coursework
• Direct experience working with infants and toddlers
• State-issued early childhood teaching credential or certification

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain upon hire
• Basic computer proficiency, including email, data systems, and Google Workspace applications

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of infant and toddler growth and development
• Ability to design responsive, relationship-centered learning environments
• Effective communication skills for working with families, staff, and community partners
• Experience supporting children with developmental delays, disabilities, and multilingual backgrounds
• Highly organized, flexible, and collaborative work style
• Familiarity with Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Implement an infant/toddler curriculum aligned with Early Head Start Performance Standards
• Develop weekly lesson plans that support individualized developmental goals, cultural identity, and language development
• Establish consistent daily routines that support safety, emotional security, and learning
• Supervise, mentor, and guide classroom assistant staff
• Conduct developmental screenings and ongoing child observations
• Collect, review, and analyze assessment data throughout the program year to inform instruction
• Maintain accurate child and classroom documentation using COPA or comparable data systems
• Complete two home visits and participate in two family conferences each year
• Collaborate with families to support learning and development in the home environment
• Work with Special Services staff to support children with identified needs
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times
• Ensure the classroom remains clean, organized, and welcoming
• Assist with recruitment, enrollment, and community outreach as assigned
• Adhere to confidentiality policies and mandated reporter regulations
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions
• Perform additional duties as directed by program leadership

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Active classroom setting requiring frequent movement, bending, kneeling, and floor engagement
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Exposure to common classroom illnesses and shared learning materials
• Occasional local travel for home visits, meetings, or trainings

Equal Opportunity Employer

ACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications and program needs. Reasonable accommodations are provided in compliance with the ADAAA. ACE maintains a Drug-Free Workplace and promotes a strong culture of safety.

Job Type: Full-Time
Work Location: In person

Benefits Include:

• 401(k) / 403(b) with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.37 - $23.32 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $23