Head Start Teacher

A positive future for every child

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference. We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children.

Why choose us?

1. Make an impact in a child’s life by promoting child health and development.
2. Be rewarded with a rich benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness plans, 401K matching, and generous paid time off. View benefit information here!
3. Opportunities for continued professional growth and development.
4. Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Job title: Teacher- Head Start & Early Head Start Program

Join our team as a Head Start Teacher and make a meaningful impact on young minds! We're seeking passionate educators to lead our early childhood program, fostering a nurturing environment where children can thrive.

SWHD provides teachers with fully stocked classrooms and all the materials needed to successfully implement the curriculum. We ensure that employees have ample professional development opportunities integrated into their regular work hours.

In this role you will:

1. Instruct children in activities designed to promote intellectual and creative growth.
2. Create a fun and safe learning environment along with promoting early education and literacy.
3. Create lesson plans and adapt available teaching methods to meet the interests and needs of the children.
4. Develop schedules and routines to ensure adequate physical activity, rest, and playtime.
5. Establish and maintain positive relationships with students and parents.
6. Communicate with parents on the growth and progress of their students or children.
7. Maintain the health and safety of all students.
8. Maintain accurate and complete records as required by the State of Arizona and Federal Office of Head Start.

What it takes:

1. Associate's degree in early childhood education, child development, or family studies or BA/BS in a related field with a minimum of 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, or family studies
2. 6 months of preschool experience 
3. Experience with staff supervision responsibilities preferred.
4. Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus, but not required.
5. CPR/First Aid certification (training for certification can be provided once hired)
6. Food handlers card certification
7. Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card OR must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card is required.

Licenses & Certifications Required :

1. Auto Ins Certificate
2. DCS APS CBC Online Check
3. CPR and First Aid Cert
4. Food Handler's Card
5. Fingerprint Card Level 1
6. FPC DPS Verification
7. Driver License
8. DHS Criminal Affidavit

Strength and Mobility:

1. Ability to lift 35-50 pounds.
2. Ability to stoop, bend, and squat to child's eye level for appropriate amount of time.
3. Ability to sit for periods of time on floor with children.
4. Ability to get up and down from floor without assistance.
5. Ability to run after a child if necessary.
6. Ability to climb flights of stairs.
7. Ability to play with children, step, run, hop.

Travel Required : No

Learn more!

Our core values embody Southwest Human Development’s commitment to services that uplift the lives of children, families and other care providers, and the communities in which they live. These values are intended to guide the professional development, ethical conduct, and skilled practice of all our staff, whatever their specific role within the agency. All staff are valued as making essential contributions to strengthening the foundation that Arizona’s children need for a great start in life. Learn more about our values and benefits here .

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the notice from the Department of Labor.