Children First Early Head Start Teacher

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Early Head Start Teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers, promoting their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This role involves working closely with families to support their children's growth and development

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Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote learning and development.
• Create a safe and welcoming classroom environment that encourages exploration and discovery.
• Observe and assess children's development and progress, maintaining accurate records.
• Collaborate with families to support their children's learning and development at home.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (preferred).
• REQUIRED: Infant/Toddler endorsed Child Development Associate Credential, or the Florida equivalent (FCCPC).
• Experience working with infants and toddlers in an educational setting.
• Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Patience, creativity, and a passion for working with young children.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Requirements

Demonstrate/Knowledge to: ­

• Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions ­
• Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation ­
• Use results of assessment to promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and any applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate ­
• Set and maintain professional boundaries with families ­
• Use technology to plan, record, report and monitor education and child development services
• Skill/Ability to: ­ Speak, read and write English; bilingual language(s) is helpful ­
• Collect, analyze and utilize data to plan and monitor growth in child outcomes and school readiness ­
• Solve problems and make appropriate decisions ­
• Manage time, solve problems and make appropriate decisions in varying situations ­
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow staff, parents, and community representatives

Physical/Mental Demands ­

• Lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs. ­
• Kneels, stoops, bends, reaches and sits on floor to attend to children’s needs ­
• Sitting, for working at keyboard and desk, standing, driving for home and site visits ­
• Moves quickly in response to active children in need of redirection to protect their and others safety ­
• Uses manual dexterity, reaches with hands and arms, stretches, and talks or hears ­
• Responds both physically and mentally to emergency or crisis situations

Environmental Conditions ­

• Variability in temperature, environment and noise ­
• Potential sensory response associated with toileting and/or children who are ill ­
• Contact with children who are ill and/or possibly contagious ­
• Contact with chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment and facility