Head Start Teacher

**Position Title**: Head Start Teacher **Reports To**: Director of Early Childhood Education **Location:** SAMMinistries Transitional Living and Learning Center **FLSA Status**: Non-Exempt **Prepared by**: Director of Early Childhood Education **Approved by**: Vice President of Supportive Housing **Approved Date**: July 2026 **Salary Rate:** $17.00/hr. **Apply online**: https://www.samm.org/careers/ **SUMMARY:** The Head Start teacher is responsible for providing early childhood care and education to children ages three to five years old at the Children’s Enrichment Center. Teachers may at times work with children as young as 18 months and up to 12 years, based on program needs and are expected to adapt to varying developmental levels and classroom environments. The selected candidate requires strong child development knowledge, effective classroom management skills, and the ability to create a safe, structured, and engaging environment using developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed practices. Teachers support cognitive, social, and emotional development through intentional instruction, consistent routines, and positive behavior guidance. 1. **ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**1. Prepare and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. 2. Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging classroom environment using positive, trauma-informed behavior guidance strategies. 3. Support children in meeting developmental milestones through individualized instruction and responsive teaching practices. 4. Foster children’s social and emotional development, including skills such as sharing, communication, and self-regulation. 5. Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy learning environment, including proper use and care of classroom materials, equipment, and spaces. 6. Supervise children at all times, including during classroom activities, transitions, meals, and outdoor play, ensuring safety and well-being. 7. Communicate regularly with parents and guardians in a professional and respectful manner, support family engagement and partnership in children’s development. 8. Collaborate with other teachers, staff, and program leadership to support classroom operations, continuity of care, and program quality. 9. Work effectively with children and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 10. Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong attendance in alignment with program expectations. 11. Report suspected child abuse in accordance with state law and organizational policy. 12. Perform routine cleaning and sanitizing of classroom materials and equipment as needed. 13. Complete additional duties as assigned to support program operations. 1. **GENERAL EXPECTATIONS**1. Must be able to achieve and maintain CPR and First Aid certification 2. Knowledge of child cognitive, social, and skills development methods and techniques. 3. Participate in training and continuing education to develop skills and knowledge. 4. Demonstrate teaching and discipline techniques that are appropriate to children’s ages and developmental levels, and that are in accordance with Children’s Enrichment Center and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Licensing policies and guidelines. 5. Develop goals, priorities and timelines on a regular basis, ensuring timely and efficient management and completion of all related tasks. 6. Communicate and coordinate priorities, progress, workload, and challenges to supervisor on a regular basis. 7. Attend staff meetings and participate in organization‐wide planning activities. 8. Professionally and actively handle other tasks as assigned. 9. Keep up to date on current community opportunities. 10. Undertake all activities with the highest ethical standards. **EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE** High School Diploma or GED is required, associate’s degree or college credits in Child Develop…