Head Start Teacher

Working at Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS’ breadth, depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), we value every team member’s contribution and our collective impact on our clients and the community. NVFS is an equal opportunity employer, E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace.

Join the NVFS Family: We are looking to hire Teachers to join the NVFS Early Childhood Education/Head Start Center in Arlington! Head Start is the most successful, longest-running, national school readiness program in the United States. It provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Pre-school aged children have benefited from Head Start through the development of their early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school.

As a Teacher, you will be the primary teacher in the classroom and be responsible for overall development and implementation of curriculum and individual child curriculum plans; oversee child outcomes; and take lead in parent teacher conferences. You will also provide direction to the Associate Teacher. The Teacher directs daily program activities that provide a safe and nurturing environment for young children ages three to five years old which encourage social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in a manner that meets all applicable local, state and federal standards. In this role, you will ensure the health and safety of all children. 

Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing.

This position has a starting hourly rate of $22.00.

In this role, you will: 

• Develop and implement daily lesson plans and individualized development plans using the designated curriculum and philosophy.


• Using best practices create developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities with consideration for child’s social/emotional development and/or disabilities. Activities should be designed to further develop the children’s interests, critical thinking, and readiness skills.


• Update classroom environment to ensure it is appropriate with lesson plans and that classroom suits children’s changing needs.


• Administer developmental screening and ongoing assessments according to ECE procedures including the ASQ, ASW-SE and DECA, utilizing input from parents and teachers. 
  
  
  
  • For children age 3 to 5, record children’s progress and outcomes in all domains as required by HS performance standards.
  
  
  • Use results to develop children’s Individual Developmental Plans.
  
  
  
  


• Maintain documentation of child’s growth and development through written observations, including child’s ongoing developmental successes and challenges.


• Create and maintain a positive working relationship with parents. Provide regular feedback on child’s ongoing developmental successes and challenges.


• Ensure all children have daily health checks, implement procedures to prevent allergy exposures, maintain first aid supplies in classroom and on field trips, maintain daily attendance.


• Participate in regular supervision with supervisor by providing regular updates.


• Maintain current level of knowledge on standards and other information on early childhood programs.


• Enter data for record keeping and reporting to meet federal guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities for Teachers who meet both Head Start and Arlington County credentialing:

• Provide input and feedback concerning the job performance of Associate Teachers, Aides, Volunteers, and Intern.


• Oversee curriculum and quality of classroom and child outcomes.


• Conduct parent conferences and home visits; document attendance and meals.

Your Background:  We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree Early Childhood Education


• Knowledge of infant and child development


• Ability to follow the Head Start guidelines for working with children


• Oral and written fluency in English; oral fluency in another language a plus 


• Attendance reliability


• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build trust and nurture relationships


• Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules and policy and procedures manuals


• Proficiency in usage of basic technological tools including laptops/computers, email, phones, and internet; working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.


• Must be able to demonstrate and live the organizational values of Communication, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of background checks required upon hire


• TB test and physical attestation required upon hire and conducted yearly


• Must be able to lift a child up to 50 lbs and be comfortable coming into contact with sick children