Teacher - Anne Arundel County Head Start

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

How This Role Contributes to the Y’s Mission
As a Head Start Teacher, you will work alongside another Teacher to lead a classroom of 17–20 children ages 3–4. Together, you will create a safe, engaging learning environment that supports the growth, development, and school readiness of children of all abilities.
You will collaborate with classroom associates, family managers, families, and service-area partners to implement the curriculum and help every child thrive.

This Work Is Right for You If You:

• Enjoy helping young children learn and develop.
• Work well in a collaborative, co-teaching environment.
• Can create an organized, inclusive, and engaging classroom.
• Have experience planning lessons and assessing children’s progress.
• Build positive relationships with families and colleagues.
• Are dependable, patient, organized, and committed to professional growth.

Essential Functions

• Co-lead the classroom in accordance with COMAR, Head Start, curriculum, and Y requirements.
• Provide active supervision and maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Plan and implement daily lessons, routines, and transitions based on children’s developmental needs.
• Complete required assessments, attendance, education files, and progress records.
• Partner with families through regular communication, home-learning activities, home visits, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Participate in referrals, IEP planning, and meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with Teachers, classroom associates, family managers, and service-area partners.
• Guide Teacher Assistants, Resource Aides, and classroom volunteers.
• Maintain confidentiality and fulfill all mandated-reporting responsibilities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-supplied classroom.
• Attend required meetings, training, and professional-development activities.
• Demonstrate dependable attendance and model the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Qualifications

• At least two years of early childhood teaching experience
• 90-Hour Child Care Certification required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education required. Candidates with a degree in another education field must also hold the 90-Hour Child Care Certification.
• Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, and internet navigation
• Ability to complete required background clearances and health screenings.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.