Head Start Teacher

Job Title: Head Start Teacher

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Sarasota, FL

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Head Start Teacher to join our team. As a Head Start Teacher, you will be responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for children aged 3-5 years old. You will work collaboratively with other teachers and staff to ensure that all children receive high-quality education and care.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development
• Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that fosters children's self-esteem and encourages their curiosity and creativity
• Conduct ongoing assessments of children's progress and use the results to plan and adjust instruction as needed
• Communicate regularly with parents and families to keep them informed about their child's progress and to involve them in their child's learning
• Collaborate with other teachers and staff to ensure that all children's needs are met and that the program goals are achieved
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of children's attendance, progress, and other important information
• Participate in professional development activities to enhance your knowledge and skills as a Head Start Teacher

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred; or Associate's degree and willing to enroll/attend coursework to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with young children in a classroom setting, preferred
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood education best practices
• Ability to create and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other teachers and staff
• Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records
• Must pass a background check and drug screening

If you are passionate about working with young children and are committed to providing high-quality education and care, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity as a Head Start Teacher.

Children First is an equal opportunity employer and offers a robust salary and benefits package.

Additionally

• ­Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record – proof of auto insurance within agency limits, or access to transportation
• ­Immediate/continued enrollment in the Criminal History Registry-Child Care Division
• ­Current Health Appraisal, updated every two (2) years
• Certification in First Aid and Adult, Infant and Child CPR 
• ­­Variability in temperature, environment and noise
• ­Potential sensory response associated with toileting and/or children who are ill
• ­Contact with children who are ill and/or possibly contagious
• Contact with chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment and facility 
• Lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs.
• ­Kneels, stoops, bends, reaches and sits on floor to attend to children’s needs
• ­Sitting, for working at keyboard and desk, standing, driving for home and site visits
• ­Moves quickly in response to active children in need of redirection to protect their and others safety
• ­Uses manual dexterity, reaches with hands and arms, stretches, and talks or hears
• Responds both physically and mentally to emergency or crisis situations 

Please see the link below to the new care provider background screening clearinghouse education and awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of HB 531 (2025). As part of these requirements, “Every specified agency must include a clear and conspicuous link to the webpage on its website and provide the link in all job vacancy advertisements and posts by the qualified entity.”

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