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Early Head Start Teacher Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Vivvi Early Learning

Head Teacher

Huntsville, AL · On-site

About The Role As a Head Teacher, you will: * Lead a classroom by creating a safe, nurturing, and ... Have 1-3+ years of experience working in a licensed early childhood education setting. * Hold a CDA ...

Vivvi Early Learning

Head Teacher

Huntsville, AL · On-site

About The Role As a Head Teacher, you will: * Lead a classroom by creating a safe, nurturing, and ... Have 1-3+ years of experience working in a licensed early childhood education setting. * Hold a CDA ...

Vivvi Early Learning

Head Teacher

Huntsville, AL

About The Role As a Head Teacher, you will: * Lead a classroom by creating a safe, nurturing, and ... Have 1-3+ years of experience working in a licensed early childhood education setting. * Hold a CDA ...

Vivvi Early Learning

Assistant Teacher

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Support the Head Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment * Assist ... Have experience in early childhood education or a related field (preferred but not required ...

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All JobsEarly Head Start Teacher JobsEarly Head Start Teacher Jobs in Decatur, AL

Early Head Start Teacher information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$9

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$25

How much do early head start teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for early head start teacher in Decatur, AL is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $19.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Early Head Start teacher?

An Early Head Start Teacher is an early childhood education professional who works with infants, toddlers, and their families in the federally funded Early Head Start program. Their primary responsibilities include creating a safe and nurturing learning environment, planning and implementing age-appropriate activities, and supporting children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. They also partner with families to promote positive parent-child relationships and help connect them to community resources. Early Head Start Teachers play a vital role in supporting young children's growth during their most critical developmental years.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Early Head Start teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Early Head Start Teacher, you need expertise in early childhood development, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or associate degree in early childhood education, and familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards. Experience with child assessment tools, lesson planning software, and classroom management systems is often required. Strong communication, patience, cultural sensitivity, and relationship-building skills are critical for engaging with young children and their families. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate education and foster a supportive learning environment for children from diverse backgrounds.

What are some common challenges Early Head Start teachers face when supporting infants and toddlers from diverse backgrounds?

Early Head Start Teachers often encounter the challenge of meeting the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This requires adapting lesson plans and communication styles, building trust with families, and providing individualized support to ensure every child thrives. Close collaboration with families and other educational specialists is essential to address developmental delays or special needs. Teachers also balance administrative tasks, documentation, and classroom management while maintaining a nurturing, safe environment for young children.

What is the difference between Early Head Start Teacher vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectEarly Head Start TeacherPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsChild Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent, early childhood education creditsChild Development Associate (CDA) or similar credentials, early childhood education credits
Work EnvironmentInfants and toddlers in Head Start programs, often in community settingsPreschool-aged children in daycare or preschool settings
Employer & IndustryHead Start programs, non-profit organizations, government-fundedPrivate preschools, daycare centers, public schools

Early Head Start Teachers focus on infants and toddlers in Head Start programs, emphasizing early development and family engagement. Preschool Teachers work with older preschool children, preparing them for kindergarten. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in early childhood education, but they serve different age groups and settings.

What are popular job titles related to Early Head Start Teacher jobs in Decatur, AL?

For Early Head Start Teacher jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Early Head Start Teacher jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Early Head Start Teacher jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Early Head Start Teacher jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Early Head Start Teacher job openings:

Early Head Start Teacher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Early Head Start Teacher job openings in Decatur, AL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,550 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Head Start Teacher - Downtown Early Childhood Education Center

Huntsville, AL • On-site

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN HUNTSVILLE
See more jobs at YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN HUNTSVILLEexternal

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for infants and toddlers ages birth to three years. The teacher plans and implements educational activities that support children's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development while building positive relationships with families. The position ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Alabama licensing regulations, and program policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesChild Development and Education
  • Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and daily activities for infants and toddlers.
  • Create a warm, safe, and engaging classroom environment that promotes learning through exploration and play.
  • Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
  • Conduct ongoing observations and assessments to monitor developmental progress.
  • Individualize instruction to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities or developmental delays.
  • Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
Family Engagement
  • Develop positive relationships with parents and families.
  • Conduct parent conferences, home visits, and family engagement activities as required.
  • Share information regarding children's development and progress.
  • Connect families with community resources and support services as needed.
Health and Safety
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and licensing requirements.
  • Monitor children's health and well-being and report concerns appropriately.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
  • Follow all emergency procedures and child supervision policies.
Documentation and Compliance
  • Maintain accurate attendance, assessment, and child development records.
  • Complete required reports and documentation in a timely manner.
  • Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state regulations, and agency policies.
  • Participate in program monitoring, evaluations, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
Professional Responsibilities
  • Attend required staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
  • Collaborate with supervisors, family advocates, disability specialists, and other program staff.
  • Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and program information.
  • Demonstrate professionalism and positive communication with children, families, and staff.
Required
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with an infant/toddler focus, or equivalent credential.
  • Coursework or training in infant and toddler development.
  • Experience working with infants and toddlers in a childcare or early childhood setting.
  • Ability to pass required background checks and pre-employment screenings.
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within designated timeframe.
Preferred
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
  • Experience working in Early Head Start or Head Start programs.
  • Knowledge of Creative Curriculum, CLASS, developmental screening tools, and Head Start Performance Standards.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, and actively engage with young children.
  • Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors for extended periods.

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