Department: Early Learning Program
Reports To: Education Coordinator
Status: Full-Time (40 hours/week – Head Start & Early Head Start)
Work Location: On-site
Starting Pay
- Level 1: $20.37/hour
- Level 2: $23.32/hour
Why Join ACE?
At ACE, we believe our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to supporting our staff both professionally and personally while making a lasting impact on children and families in our community.
Our Benefits Include:
- Comprehensive benefits beginning the first of the month after 30 days
- 403(b) retirement plan starting on day one with employer match up to 7%
- Paid sick leave
- Three personal days each year
- Seventeen paid holidays, including your birthday
- Tuition reimbursement for eligible coursework
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility (after qualifying service)
Position Overview
ACE is seeking a passionate and dedicated Teacher to join our Early Learning Program. In this role, you will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom where children can develop socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
The Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervising classroom support staff, partnering with families, monitoring child development, and ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies.
If you enjoy helping young children reach their full potential while working alongside a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll DoClassroom Leadership
- Lead daily classroom operations while maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment.
- Plan and implement engaging lessons using Creative Curriculum and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
- Create weekly lesson plans that support each child's developmental goals.
- Establish consistent daily routines that include individual learning, group activities, music, movement, outdoor play, meals, and smooth transitions.
- Maintain an organized, welcoming classroom that reflects children's cultures, languages, and individual learning needs.
Child Development
- Observe, assess, and document each child's developmental progress.
- Individualize instruction based on ongoing assessments and identified goals.
- Support children's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
- Prepare children for a successful transition into kindergarten.
- Participate in planning for children with special needs alongside specialists and community partners.
Family Engagement
- Build positive relationships with families through open communication and mutual respect.
- Conduct two home visits each school year.
- Schedule and lead parent-teacher conferences.
- Partner with families to establish educational goals and support learning at home.
- Encourage family involvement throughout the program year.
Team Leadership
- Supervise and mentor the Teacher Assistant/Aide assigned to the classroom.
- Support professional growth through coaching, feedback, and Professional Development Plans.
- Provide leadership and guidance to classroom aides, practicum students, and volunteers.
- Coordinate with classroom staff to ensure children receive meals according to food service guidelines.
- Conduct and document annual Emergency Plan training for classroom staff.
Program Compliance
- Maintain accurate child records and required documentation.
- Enter and monitor information within the COPA data management system.
- Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, child care regulations, and agency policies.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and employees.
- Fulfill responsibilities as a mandated reporter by reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.
- Participate in required staff meetings, training sessions, self-assessments, and professional development activities.
- Collaborate with the ERSEA team to support ongoing recruitment efforts.
- Maintain consistent attendance and dependable work performance.
Child Safety
- Provide active supervision of children at all times.
- Promote a strong Culture of Safety by identifying risks and helping implement effective safety practices.
- Foster an environment where every child feels safe, respected, and valued.
Qualifications
Successful candidates will have:
- Knowledge of early childhood development and best practices for educating young children.
- Ability to create positive, supportive relationships with children and families.
- Understanding of culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Strong organizational and classroom management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Basic computer proficiency, including email, data entry, and Google Drive.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain and maintain certification).
Education & ExperienceLevel 1
Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
OR
Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in another field plus:
- 12 college credits in Early Childhood Education or
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential appropriate for the age group served.
Level 2
Bachelor's Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education
OR
Bachelor's Degree or higher with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood, Infant/Toddler, or related education field and experience working with children from birth through age five.
A Pennsylvania Preschool Teaching Certificate is preferred.
A valid driver's license and current automobile insurance are required.
Work Environment
This position is performed primarily within a classroom environment and requires regular interaction with children, families, and staff. Employees may occasionally be exposed to communicable illnesses, bodily fluids, shared equipment, and other conditions commonly associated with early childhood education settings.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Physical Requirements
The position requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, speaking, hearing, and use of hands for classroom and office tasks. Employees may occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds. Some local travel may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ACE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable law.
ACE is a Drug-Free Workplace.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. ACE reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as needed to meet organizational needs.
Pay: $20.37 - $23.32 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
