About This RoleWe are seeking a dedicated and caring professional to join our Head Start team. The ideal candidate will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment while supporting the growth and development of young children and fostering strong partnerships with families and the community.
What You'll Do- Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and organized classroom environment.
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning activities that support each child's individual needs and promote physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
- Observe, assess, document, and monitor children's progress and development.
- Use positive guidance techniques to encourage appropriate behavior and classroom engagement.
- Supervise and actively interact with children during all daily activities, both indoors and outdoors.
- Build positive relationships with families through home visits, parent-teacher conferences, meetings, and ongoing communication.
- Maintain required Head Start documentation, records, and reports in a timely manner.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
- Lead and support classroom staff, substitutes, volunteers, and team members by fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
- Perform daily cleaning and maintenance duties to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming indoor and outdoor learning environment.
- Welcome and encourage family participation in classroom, home, and community learning activities.
- Support family and community involvement through volunteer opportunities and contributions that help meet program requirements and strengthen services for children.
- Demonstrate professionalism and compliance with agency policies, procedures, and assigned responsibilities.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by program leadership.
What We're Looking For
- Passion for working with young children and families.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and meet program requirements.
- Dedication to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Join our team and help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success!
RequirementsEducation Requirements
- Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); or related degree.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of one year’s experience teaching preschool children.
- Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
- Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
- Must agree to a 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.
Benefits- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
About UsDouglas-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.