Head Start Teacher - Downtown Early Childhood Education Center

The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for infants and toddlers ages birth to three years. The teacher plans and implements educational activities that support children's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development while building positive relationships with families. The position ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Alabama licensing regulations, and program policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Child Development and Education

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and daily activities for infants and toddlers.
• Create a warm, safe, and engaging classroom environment that promotes learning through exploration and play.
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
• Conduct ongoing observations and assessments to monitor developmental progress.
• Individualize instruction to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities or developmental delays.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.

Family Engagement

• Develop positive relationships with parents and families.
• Conduct parent conferences, home visits, and family engagement activities as required.
• Share information regarding children's development and progress.
• Connect families with community resources and support services as needed.

Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and licensing requirements.
• Monitor children's health and well-being and report concerns appropriately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Follow all emergency procedures and child supervision policies.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate attendance, assessment, and child development records.
• Complete required reports and documentation in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state regulations, and agency policies.
• Participate in program monitoring, evaluations, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend required staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with supervisors, family advocates, disability specialists, and other program staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and program information.
• Demonstrate professionalism and positive communication with children, families, and staff.

Required

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with an infant/toddler focus, or equivalent credential.
• Coursework or training in infant and toddler development.
• Experience working with infants and toddlers in a childcare or early childhood setting.
• Ability to pass required background checks and pre-employment screenings.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within designated timeframe.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Experience working in Early Head Start or Head Start programs.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum, CLASS, developmental screening tools, and Head Start Performance Standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, and actively engage with young children.
• Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors for extended periods.