Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title : Head Start Teacher, Full Time

Location : SAMMinistries Transitional Living and Learning Center

Reports To : Children’s Enrichment Center Director

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Prepared by : Education Director

Approved by : Vice President of Supportive Housing

Approved Date : June 2025

SUMMARY :

Preschool teachers at SAMMinistries’ Transitional Living and Learning Center’s Children’s Enrichment Center are responsible for providing early childhood education to children up to approximately five years of age. The preschool teacher must have excellent child care skills, knowledge of child development, a desire to work with and support the progress of children and families who are experiencing homelessness, and must be trained in safety and first aid techniques. The ideal candidate must thrive in an environment where quickly adapting to changing conditions and rapidly assessing the needs of young students are important and necessary skills. Preschool teacher must have a passion for working with children and must understand the importance of, and have a dedication to, early childhood education. Preschool teachers must work hand-in-hand with SAMMinistries employees, community partners and volunteers to ensure children’s educational and developmental needs are met, and must cooperatively perform to support the goals, mission, and values of SAMMinistries’ Transitional Living and Learning Center. Preschool teachers must adhere to all SAMMinistries and Children’s Enrichment Center policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Prepare lessons that meet educational requirements in an age-appropriate manner, and teach in a manner suitable for the ages of all participating students.
• Manage a busy classroom environment and provide developmentally appropriate structure and discipline required for successful learning for everyone in the classroom.
• Help children meet educational milestones through personalized instruction and other supplementary assistance.
• Collaborate with other teachers, instructors, and staff members to create an optimal learning and care environment.
• Provide constructive feedback to parents and guardians on a regular or as-needed basis.
• Work with diverse populations of children and adults from a wide variety of cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds.
• Prepare lesson plans for students according to the age, developmental maturity, and needs of the children being taught, while including fundamental vocabulary, simple shapes, basic colors, letters, and numbers into the curriculum.
• Guide children in developing basic interpersonal skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and asking permission in the classroom.
• Maintain a safe, healthy learning environment that ensures child safety and appropriate utilization of facilities and equipment.
• Support social and emotional development of children and provide positive role modeling for parents and children.
• May perform routine cleaning / sanitizing of center toys / equipment, as necessary.
• Interact with parents in a manner that is professional, courteous, and encourages parents’ engagement as active partners with the Children’s Enrichment Center in advancing children’s physical, emotional and intellectual competencies.
• Must maintain excellent punctuality and attendance.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a professional, ethical, and compassionate manner with children and families who have histories of trauma, homelessness, poverty, and other circumstances presenting significant challenges to healthy, consistent child development and family relationships.
• Supervise and assist children during their meals / snacks
• Report any suspected child abuse, neglect or other issues concerning child safety and well- being to the Children’s Enrichment Center Director.
• Additional duties, as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Required :

Preferred :

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS :

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS :

Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License, a good driving record and proper insurance coverage. Monthly mileage reimbursed for applicable and documented work-related mileage. Some travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job requires standing or walking 50% or more of the workday; bending, twisting, and stooping; and the ability to move throughout campus as well as into and out of buildings and rooms.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is primarily indoors, but the preschool teacher will supervise children outdoors during play and activities. Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals. Requires handling of objects 10-20 pounds, and occasionally lifting objects that may be up to 40 pounds. Also requires standing and walking.

EEO

SAMMinistries provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, SAMMinistries complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.