Head Start Teacher

We are seeking a dedicated and caring professional to join our Head Start team. The ideal candidate will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment while supporting the growth and development of young children and fostering strong partnerships with families and the community.

• Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and organized classroom environment.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning activities that support each child's individual needs and promote physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
• Observe, assess, document, and monitor children's progress and development.
• Use positive guidance techniques to encourage appropriate behavior and classroom engagement.
• Supervise and actively interact with children during all daily activities, both indoors and outdoors.
• Build positive relationships with families through home visits, parent-teacher conferences, meetings, and ongoing communication.
• Maintain required Head Start documentation, records, and reports in a timely manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Lead and support classroom staff, substitutes, volunteers, and team members by fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Perform daily cleaning and maintenance duties to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming indoor and outdoor learning environment.
• Welcome and encourage family participation in classroom, home, and community learning activities.
• Support family and community involvement through volunteer opportunities and contributions that help meet program requirements and strengthen services for children.
• Demonstrate professionalism and compliance with agency policies, procedures, and assigned responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by program leadership.

What We're Looking For

• Passion for working with young children and families.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and meet program requirements.
• Dedication to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Join our team and help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success!

Education Requirements

• Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); or related degree.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of one year’s experience teaching preschool children.

Other Requirements

• Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
• Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
• Must agree to a pre-employment background check.
• Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and available transportation for work-related duties with mileage reimbursed.
• Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
• Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves more than 700 children ages 0-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive support to access free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

Our employees have access to:

• Up to 14 paid holidays per year
• Sick leave and Personal time
• Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan
• Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System
• Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.