Early Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Early Head Start Teacher, Full Time

Location: SAMMinistries Transitional Living and Learning Center

Reports To : Director of Early Childhood Education

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Prepared by : Director of Early Childhood Education

Approved by : Vice President of Supportive Housing

Approved Date : April 2026

SUMMARY:

Early Head Start teachers at SAMMinistries’ Transitional Living and Learning Center’s Children’s Enrichment Center are responsible for providing early childhood education and care to children ages 18 months through three years. Staff may at times work with children up to age 12, based on program needs. Teachers may be assigned to any classroom within this age range and are expected to adapt to varying developmental levels and classroom environments. This role requires strong child developmental knowledge, effective classroom management skills, and the ability to create a safe, structured, and engaging environment using developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed practices. Teachers support children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development through intentional instruction, consistent routines, and positive behavior guidance. Teachers work with children and families who may be experiencing homelessness and must demonstrate flexibility, empathy, and professionalism in responding to diverse needs. Teachers must work collaboratively with SAMMinistries staff, community partners, and volunteers to ensure children’s educational and developmental needs are met, while supporting the mission, goals, and values of SAMMinistries. All teachers must adhere to SAMMinistries and the Children’s Enrichment Center’s policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Prepare and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging classroom environment using positive, trauma-informed behavior guidance strategies.
• Support children in meeting developmental milestones through individualized instruction and responsive teaching practices.
• Foster children’s social and emotional development, including skills such as sharing, communication, and self-regulation.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy learning environment, including proper use and care of classroom materials, equipment, and spaces.
• Supervise children at all times, including during classroom activities, transitions, meals, and outdoor play, ensuring safety and well-being.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians in a professional and respectful manner, support family engagement and partnership in children’s development.
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, and program leadership to support classroom operations, continuity of care, and program quality.
• Work effectively with children and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong attendance in alignment with program expectations.
• Report suspected child abuse in accordance with state law and organizational policy.
• Perform routine cleaning and sanitizing of classroom materials and equipment as needed.
• Complete additional duties as assigned to support program operations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required :

• High School Diploma or GED is required
• Must meet the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Texas State licensing requirements for teaching staff, including completion of all required annual professional development training as outlined by Child Care Licensing, Texas Rising Star, and Head Start guidelines
• Must possess or be willing to obtain Child Development Associate Certification.

• Minimum of one year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities described.

Preferred :

• Associate’s degree or college credits in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Three years’ prior experience in toddler classroom
• Bilingual - English/Spanish

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to achieve and maintain CDA Certification
• Must maintain current TB test with negative results
• Submit to criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire
• Must be able to achieve and maintain CPR and First Aid certification
• Knowledge of child cognitive, social, and skills development methods and techniques, and participation in training and continuing education to develop skills and knowledge
• Demonstrate teaching and discipline techniques that are appropriate to children’s ages and developmental levels, and that are in accordance with Children’s Enrichment Center and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Licensing policies and guidelines.

Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License, a good driving record and proper insurance coverage. Monthly mileage reimbursed for applicable and documented work-related mileage. Some travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job requires standing or walking 50% or more of the workday; bending, twisting, and stooping; and the ability to move throughout campus as well as into and out of buildings and rooms. Requires handling of objects 10-20 pounds, and occasionally lifting objects that may be up to 40 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is primarily indoors, but the preschool teacher will supervise children outdoors during play and activities. Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals.

EEO

SAMMinistries provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, SAMMinistries complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.