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 yearโs experience teaching preschool children.
Other Requirements
- 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 driverโs 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:
ยท Up to 14 paid holidays per year
ยท Sick leave and Personal time
ยท Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan
ยท Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System
ยท Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.