Preschool Teacher 2026-2027

Head Start / Early Head Start Preschool Teacher
Rutherford County Schools

NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, serves as a classroom teacher for Head Start/Early Head Start preschool children and creates a nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports school readiness, social-emotional development, and early learning. The teacher implements curriculum and instructional practices aligned with Head Start Performance Standards, district guidelines, and early childhood best practices.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and district-approved curriculum.
• Plans and implements activities that support children's cognitive, language, physical, social-emotional, and creative development.
• Develops and uses instructional materials suitable for young children with varying developmental levels, learning styles, and cultural backgrounds.
• Provides both individual and small group instruction designed to meet children's developmental needs and support readiness for kindergarten.
• Establishes and maintains a safe, nurturing classroom environment that encourages positive behavior and active engagement in learning.
• Implements developmentally appropriate classroom management strategies that promote cooperation, independence, and respect.
• Observes and evaluates children's developmental progress using approved screening and assessment tools and maintains accurate documentation.
• Uses assessment data to guide instruction and individualize learning experiences.
• Creates a stimulating and engaging learning environment through interest centers, hands-on materials, and visually appealing classroom displays.
• Works collaboratively with teacher assistants, instructional staff, and support personnel to implement effective classroom practices.
• Communicates regularly with parents and guardians through conferences, written communication, and family engagement activities.
• Conducts parent conferences to discuss children's developmental progress and provides resources to support learning at home.
• Collaborates with family service staff, social workers, and other professionals to identify and support children’s developmental, health, and learning needs.
• Participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings when applicable.
• Supports family engagement activities and encourages families to participate in the Head Start program.
• Maintains professional competence through in-service training, professional development activities, and coursework related to early childhood education.
• Participates cooperatively with the appropriate administrator to develop evaluation methods in accordance with district and Head Start guidelines.
• Selects and requisitions classroom materials and supplies necessary for effective instruction.
• Maintains compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards, district policies, licensing requirements, and program guidelines.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.
North Carolina Birth–Kindergarten (B–K) teaching license or eligibility for licensure required.
Experience working with preschool-aged children preferred.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, printers, and classroom technology.
Must be able to lift, carry, or assist children and classroom materials weighing up to approximately 25 pounds as needed.
Requires the ability to observe and assess developmental behaviors and respond appropriately to the needs of young children.
Requires the ability to communicate effectively with young children, parents, and professional staff.
Requires the ability to read, interpret, and prepare correspondence, reports, lesson plans, developmental assessments, and other program documentation.
Requires the ability to apply principles of early childhood development to support children's learning and growth.
Requires the ability to maintain a calm and supportive environment when working with young children and families.
Requires the ability to follow oral and written instructions and communicate clearly in both professional and family-friendly language.
Requires the ability to work cooperatively with staff, families, and community partners.
Requires the ability to perform duties effectively in a dynamic early childhood classroom environment.


DISCLAIMER
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required