Teacher, Early Childhood Education

Job Description Summary

The Teacher is responsible for delivering a high-quality early childhood education program for children ages 3–5 in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards. This position involves planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, multicultural curriculum; supervising classroom staff and volunteers; and fostering meaningful family engagement. The Teacher ensures a safe, inviting learning environment and collaborates with specialists to support children with disabilities or behavioral concerns.

The Teacher reports directly to the Assistant Director of Educational Services and is accountable for the satisfactory performance of all essential job functions.

• Required:
  
  Associate or bachelor’s degree in child development, Early Childhood Education, or related field.
• Preferred:
  Two years of supervised experience in a licensed early childhood program.

• Strong math and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other software applications for data retrieval, spreadsheet creation, and reporting.

• Must always maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to communicate effectively, appropriately, and professionally in both written and verbal formats with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and vendors.

• Set up classroom learning centers according to the Creative Curriculum.
• Ensure adequate materials and equipment, including multicultural resources aligned with monthly themes.
• Implement state licensing health and safety policies.
• Label learning centers, equipment, and materials; post schedules and visuals at appropriate eye level.
• Maintain required teacher/child ratios and monitor children continuously for safety.

• Use Creative Curriculum as the foundation for classroom activities.
• Select themes from approved lists and involve parents in curriculum planning.
• Integrate health, nutrition, and social-emotional learning into daily activities.
• Incorporate Family Style dining into lesson plans, modeling healthy habits.
• Prepare weekly lesson plans based on themes, learning domains, and individual needs; submit for approval.
• Engage children during indoor and outdoor activities.

• Complete “All About Me” forms and initiate Individual Child Plans (ICP) with parents prior to entry.
• Document observations with anecdotal notes and maintain child portfolios.
• Collaborate with prekindergarten teachers for dually placed children.
• Conduct Work Sampling assessments three times annually and adjust plans accordingly.
• Review ICPs with parents during home visits and conferences; implement transition plans for program exits.

• Complete Brigance screenings within 45 days of entry and review results with specialists and parents.
• Integrate IEP goals into ICPs and lesson plans.
• Develop and implement strategies for challenging behaviors in collaboration with specialists.
• Facilitate parent involvement in behavior plans and report progress regularly.

• Greet each child warmly and engage parents respectfully.
• Model appropriate language and positive social-emotional interactions.
• Extend learning during meals and choice time through conversation and open-ended questions.
• Welcome parents into the classroom environment.

• Create and maintain an individual development plan with the Education Coordinator.
• Obtain 15 CEUs annually per Head Start standards and maintain Maryland Childcare Credential enrollment.
• Attend all required training sessions and submit documentation of certifications and coursework.

• Maintain accurate child/family files and portfolios.
• Record attendance, meal counts, and submit reports by deadlines.
• Input assessment data into the agency database and track education/disabilities progress.
• Complete required safety checklists and drills (fire, lockdown, health) on schedule.

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