Head Start Preschool Teacher

Job Summary

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children (3 to 4 years old). This position supports children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth in alignment with Head Start Program Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and the organization’s curriculum. The teacher fosters strong, culturally responsive partnerships with families and promotes school readiness.

Competency Area

Responsibilities

Key Behaviors

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with Head Start standards.
• Incorporate literacy, math, science, creative arts, and social-emotional learning into daily activities.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction to meet diverse learning needs

• Integrate multiple domains of learning into engaging activities.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate varying abilities and interests.
• Use hands-on learning experiences to promote active engagement.
• Apply positive guidance strategies to encourage positive behavior.

Child Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct ongoing observations and formal assessments of each child’s development.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of progress.
• Use assessment data to inform instructional planning and support individual growth

• Document observations using objective, non-judgmental language.
• Share developmental progress with families regularly.
• Adjust instructional strategies based on assessment findings.

Classroom Environment & Safety

• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Ensure materials and learning centers support active exploration.
• Supervise children at all times and adhere to safety protocols

• Conduct daily safety checks of the classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Arrange learning spaces to promote independence and cooperation.
• Model safe and respectful behavior for children teacher

Family & Community Engagement

• Build respectful, culturally responsive relationships with families.
• Conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences per program year.
• Provide families with resources and strategies to support learning at home.

• Listen actively to family input and incorporate it into planning.
• Communicate regularly through multiple channels (verbal, written, electronic).
• Collaborate with families to set individual learning goals.

Professionalism & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in training, coaching, and reflective supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with program policies.
• Collaborate with colleagues, specialists, and community partners.

• Conduct timely developmental screenings
• Observe and document children’s progress using objective language.
• Record accurate and confidential documentation of each child’s progress.
• Use assessment results to guide instructional planning.
• Share progress with families in a strengths-based manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (or equivalent coursework).
• At least one year of experience working with preschool-aged children, preferably in a Head Start setting.
• Knowledge of child development, curriculum implementation, and classroom management.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and written

Licenses/Certifications

• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds,
• Frequent bending, standing, sitting on the floor, and active movement
• Exposure to common childhood illnesses
• Performs other duties as assigned

Performance Indicators

• Child Development outcomes show progress across domains
• Compliance with all Head Start standards and state licensing
• Positive feedback from family engagement surveys
• Timely completion of assessments and documentation
• Performs other duties as assigned