Lead Educator- Early Head Start
Location: 4545 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68132
Pay: $49,000+ (Based on Experience)
About CSI
Our story begins in Omaha in 1892, when, due to epidemics, poverty, and the difficulties of pioneer life, many children were left in need of parental care. CSI met the need in a revolutionary way—putting the well-being of children first and working to be a voice for the voiceless. We seek to champion children and families by providing the mental, emotional, and physical spaces they need to feel empowered and to thrive.
Child Saving Institute (CSI) is looking for someone who has a mind full of wonder and a heart-filled desire to make a difference! We're on a mission to champion what's best for each child and family.
As a Lead Educator for our Early Head Start program, you'll create and maintain a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early learning environment that supports the growth and well-being of each child. You'll lead classroom planning, implement curriculum, oversee daily routines, and ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive space — all while mentoring support staff, building strong relationships with families, and upholding program and licensing standards with professionalism and intention.
In short, our Lead Educator will help ensure every child in our care has the foundation they need to thrive.
What makes CSI special...
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GROWTH – We invest in our team with professional development opportunities and room to grow
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SUPPORTIVE CULTURE – Join a collaborative environment that values each voice and contribution
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MEANINGFUL WORK – Every role at CSI contributes to our mission of supporting children and families
Here's who we are looking for…
Someone who:
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Has a genuine passion for early childhood education and development
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Is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom
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Can lead, mentor, and collaborate with a classroom team
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Builds strong, respectful relationships with children and families alike
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Upholds program, licensing, and Head Start standards with professionalism
Essential Duties
Curriculum & Instruction
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Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with program goals and early learning standards
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Provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences supporting cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development
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Use observation and assessment tools to track progress and inform individualized learning supports
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Maintain an organized, welcoming classroom that encourages exploration and independence
Child Supervision & Care
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Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children through active supervision and adherence to licensing regulations
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Model warm, responsive interactions and positive guidance strategies
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Manage classroom routines including meals, rest time, toileting/diapering, transitions, and outdoor play
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Identify and report developmental or behavioral concerns following program protocols
Staff Leadership & Collaboration
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Provide guidance, mentorship, and modeling for Assistant Teachers, Aides, and Floaters
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Communicate clear expectations and promote a collaborative team culture
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Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and curriculum planning sessions
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Coordinate with leadership to maintain compliance with program, licensing, and accreditation standards
Family Engagement
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Establish and maintain strong, respectful relationships with families
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Communicate regularly regarding children's progress, daily experiences, and classroom updates
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Conduct family-teacher conferences and support family involvement in the program
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Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate cultural responsiveness
Classroom Management & Administration
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Ensure accurate completion of attendance, incident reports, assessments, and other required documentation
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Maintain a clean, safe, and organized learning environment
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Monitor classroom supplies and request materials as needed
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Follow all health and safety policies, including sanitation, emergency procedures, and reporting requirements
Early Head Start Requirements (in conjunction with Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative/NECC)
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Implement the Head Start Program Performance Standards for Early Head Start
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Work with the Site Director and/or finance team to track data for the EHS grant
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Review and complete compliance requests following periodic compliance reviews
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Collaborate with NECC Coaching Staff for classroom support
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Collaborate with the EHS Family Engagement Specialist (FES) during weekly center visits
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Report weekly attendance of EHS children on Child Plus software
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Complete parent-teacher conferences with EHS families twice annually (spring/fall)
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Complete home visits with EHS families at enrollment and opposite parent-teacher conferences (summer/winter)
Qualifications
In line with Early Head Start requirements, candidates must meet one of the following:
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Associate degree or higher in early childhood education with CDA or
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Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or
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Bachelor's degree in Child Development w/ specific credits attained (requires an audit of transcripts)
Additionally, candidates must have:
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A minimum of 6 months of early childhood education experience
Vehicle Requirements
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Own transportation meeting agency vehicle inspection requirements
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Valid driver's license with no more than 6 points
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Proof of insurance meeting agency requirements
Physical Requirements
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Ability to sit, stand, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear within normal limits; close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
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Ability to run after children, reach with hands and arms, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
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Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
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Ability to work extensively with children, frequently in outdoor weather conditions
What You'll Get:
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
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Paid vacation and sick leave
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10 paid holidays per year
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401(k) with up to 5% match, vested immediately
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Referral bonuses
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Tuition reimbursement
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Flexible, supportive work culture
Be a voice for children who need one most — apply today!
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Child Saving Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Accommodation Statement
Child Saving Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources to discuss their needs.
Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time to meet organizational needs.
