Early Head Start Teacher

HumanKind is a non-profit human services organization that has been serving children and families for more than 100 years.
We offer programs and services that instill hope and equip people with the tools to build a strong foundation for life.
With an emphasis on inclusion, we help individuals and families who face any number of life’s challenges.
Our programs cover everything from financial education to foster care, from early childhood resources to services for adults with developmental disabilities.
TEACHER BENEFITS: We believe our employees are the heartbeat of our mission.
HumanKind offers competitive salaries and values employees with a diverse benefits package including: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 403(b) Retirement plan and company match Tuition Reimbursement Generous paid time off and holiday pay Life Insurance; Short and Long Term Disability Insurance TEACHER POSITION SUMMARY: The Early Head Start (EHS) Teacher works in a pair to provide direct supervision for eight children per classroom.
They provide high-quality, early education and child development services that promote children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth for later success in school.
The EHS Teachers use research-based curriculum and data from assessments to plan lessons and support individualized development as described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (HSELOF).
The EHS Teacher encourages family engagement through two home visits and two education conferences per program term.
This position actively participates in individualized and ongoing professional development and coaching.
This position requires the ability to follow mandated Virginia licensing, subsidy, and Office of Head Start (OHS) requirements.
TEACHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide responsive care, effective teaching methods, and an organized learning environment to promote healthy development for all children in alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (HSELOF), including children of all abilities, cultures, and languages.
Ensure a classroom environment that provides nurturing interactions and promotes emotional security; provide a foundation for early childhood communication and rich language development; promote critical thinking and problem solving; promote structure that supports life-skills development; utilize a formal curriculum that promotes social, emotional, and behavioral development.
Effectively plan weekly schedules, lesson plans, and organized activities using the program approved, research-based curriculum (HighScope) to support each child’s individual development and learning.
Utilize standardized screening and assessment tools (ASQ-3, ASQ-SE2, and DRDP); integrate data from these assessments into individual and group planning; notify managers and primary adults when development concerns are identified.
Work effectively as part of a team to ensure children with disabilities receive all program services in the least restrictive environment.
Collaborate with other Teachers and Assistant Teachers, Center Manager, Education Manager, Family Engagement Specialist, and Health and Disabilities Manager to ensure that services provided are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate to support each child’s individual preschool readiness.
Collaborate with outside support resources (Infant & Toddler Connection and Public Schools) Recognize the strengths of dual language learners and support their development.
Recognize primary adult roles as lifelong educators and support their involvement in their child’s education through home visits, regular communication, education conferences, and classroom volunteer opportunities.
Utilize technology to plan lessons, assess students, and engage with caregivers.
Collaboratively work with the Center Manager to ensure the classroom consistently meets licensing, subsidy, HSPPS, and Virginia Quality (VQB5) requirements.
Participate in continuous quality improvement through supervision, training, and professional development.
TEACHER KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of Early Childhood care and education, childcare, and infant/ toddler development.
Ability to teach various age groups year-round from birth to age three through a research-based curriculum and developmental assessments.
Ability to learn and adhere to Virginia licensing and subsidy standards, Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Ability to establish professional relationships and maintain professional boundaries with diverse children, families, colleagues, and community partners.
Ability to be flexible and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond to stressful situations with maturity.
Ability to lift and carry children, bend, sit on the floor, and be physically active inside and outside in all weather.
Ability to conduct home visits and education conferences.
Proficient computer knowledge, ability to adapt to new technology, learn new software systems (ChildPlus and Procare), and maintain daily data entry responsibilities while protecting family confidentiality.
TEACHER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Contingent Teacher: A minimum of High School Diploma with at least six months’ early childhood services experience, and commitment to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) degree through EHS or comparable Early Childhood Education credential within 2 years of hire.
Teacher: A minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) or comparable credential with a focus on infant and toddler development.
A Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field is preferred.
Provide a Staff Health Report signed by physician.
Provide “TB free” documentation.
Complete, pass and maintain all required background checks and drug tests.
Three references (any combination of professional or educational)