Early Head Start Teacher

We are seeking a caring, dependable, and passionate Infant/Toddler Teacher to join our Early Head Start team. This position works in a multi-age classroom environment, providing nurturing, developmentally appropriate care and education for infants and toddlers while building strong partnerships with families.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and engaging learning environment for infants and toddlers.
• Develop and implement individualized learning plans based on observations and developmental assessments.
• Build positive relationships with children and families while supporting parent-child bonding and family engagement.
• Communicate daily with parents and participate in parent-teacher conferences and family activities.
• Support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through age-appropriate routines and activities.
• Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities while maintaining required staff-to-child ratios.
• Promote positive guidance and classroom management techniques.
• Follow health, sanitation, diapering, feeding, and safety procedures in accordance with Early Head Start guidelines.
• Maintain accurate documentation, child records, developmental screenings, and assessment data.
• Collaborate with staff, therapists, and family service workers to support children with special needs and individualized goals.
• Participate in home visits, trainings, meetings, and ongoing professional development.
• Assist with classroom organization, cleanliness, and daily operations.

• A degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); or related degree preferred. Minimum Infant / Toddler CDA Credential and have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development with a focus on infant/toddler development. 
• Minimum of one year’s experience teaching infants / toddlers. 

• Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
• Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
• Must agree to pre-employment background check. \Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and available transportation for work-related duties with mileage reimbursed.
• Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
• Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves more than 700 children ages 0-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive support to access free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

Our employees have access to:

· Up to 14 paid holidays per year

· Sick leave and Personal time

· Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan

· Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System

· Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.