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