Early Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

We are seeking a compassionate, reliable, and dedicated Infant/Toddler Teacher to join our Early Head Start team. This position will work in a multi-age classroom environment, providing nurturing, developmentally appropriate care and education for infants and toddlers while building strong partnerships with families. Our ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting young children and families in a positive, inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Create a warm and engaging learning environment for infants and toddlers.
• Develop and implement personalized learning plans based on observations and developmental assessments.
• Establish strong relationships with children and families while supporting parent-child bonding and family engagement.
• Communicate regularly 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.
• Implement positive guidance and classroom management techniques.
• Follow health, sanitation, diapering, feeding, and safety procedures in accordance with Early Head Start guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date 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.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a candidate who is caring, flexible, and committed to supporting young children and families in a positive, inclusive environment. The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families every day.

• Minimum Infant / Toddler CDA Credential and have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development with a focus on infant/toddler development, or a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); or related degree preferred.
• 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.

While not required, having experience working with diverse populations, being proficient in a second language, or having experience with early childhood development assessments would be beneficial in this role.

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance

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.