Head Start Lead Teacher

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on: 01/23/26

Division: Head Start Division

Management Level: Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility: This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs and tuition reimbursement.

Description: Do you want a career that fulfills your passions and purpose to make a difference in the lives of not only your students but their families?

• Do you get excited thinking about working in an all-inclusive preschool program that provides an opportunity for greater impact working with vulnerable children and families
  ?
• Are you passionate about providing extra support to allow students with challenging behaviors to achieve their goals and be successful?
• Are you looking for professional development and individualized coaching to progress your career?
• Are you interested in being part of a supportive team to help you learn and grow?

If you answered yes to these questions, Jefferson County Early Head Start Lead Teacher may be what you’ve been searching for!

Eligibility: This role is a great opportunity if you are:

• A recent graduate looking to start your career in early childhood education
• A seasoned professional or current substitute teacher seeking a full‑time benefitted role

Head Start is a no‑cost, all-inclusive, child‑focused and family‑centered early childhood program for children ages 0‑5. Services include education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with a multi‑disciplinary team (mental health specialists, special education professionals, family support workers) to provide best service, including home visits, family conferences, and implementation of Individual Education Plans.
• Develop and implement lesson plans for large groups, small groups, and individualized play‑based instruction to meet each child’s unique developmental needs.
• Deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum, including social‑emotional development activities and trauma‑informed care practices.
• Work with Co‑Teacher / Teacher Associate to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, including education, disabilities, parent involvement, nutrition, health, and mental health.
• Incorporate individual schedules to meet infant and toddler needs in the classroom setting.
• Provide guidance and support to co‑teachers, classroom aides, and volunteers for developmentally appropriate practices and licensing compliance.
• Collaborate with family and Early Intervention (EI) service providers to support goals and create MTSS goals for children with suspected developmental delays, collecting necessary data.
• Build family engagement and develop relationships through ongoing interactions responsive to families’ strengths, interests, needs, and culture.
• Conduct family visits before the child’s first day of school and a second visit in spring, plus two family‑teacher conferences per year to review outcomes and set new goals.

Qualifications:

• An associate, bachelor, or advanced degree in child development or early childhood education (ECE).
• or an associate/bachelor degree in a related field with coursework equivalent to ECE CDA with Infant‑Toddler Focus, plus a minimum of one year of work‑related experience teaching infant to preschool age children.
• or an associate degree and enrollment in a program that will lead to a baccalaureate degree within two years of hire.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative.
• Passion for the education of young children.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Regular contact with children and families in classroom settings.
• Ability to remain calm in difficult situations.

Additional

Job Description:

• Employment contingent on review of child abuse/neglect database, fingerprint results, criminal background, sex offender registry, motor vehicle record, and education verification.
• Valid driver’s…