Early Head Start / Infant & Toddler Teacher

Head Start / Early Head Start Teacher

Location: Emmanuel Family & Child Development Center, Kansas City, MO

Program Areas: Early Head Start (0–3 years)

Reports to: Early Head Start / Head Start Director

Website: www.emmanuelschildcare.org

About Emmanuel

At Emmanuel Family & Child Development Center, we believe that every child deserves a strong start. In partnership with MARC Head Start, we provide comprehensive, family-centered early education services to children from birth to age five. Our center is a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where families and educators collaborate to build school readiness, promote wellness, and empower lifelong learners.

Position Overview

The Early Head Start / Head Start Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment for children ages 0–5. This role ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Missouri childcare licensing regulations, and Missouri Accreditation standards.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Develop and implement daily lesson plans aligned with:
• Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework
• Missouri Early Learning Standards (for preschool)
• Missouri Infant/Toddler Standards (for Early Head Start)
• Creative Curriculum (Infant–Preschool)
• Use Teaching Strategies GOLD to assess and track children’s growth and inform instruction.
• Support individualized goals for children with special needs, dual-language learners, and those with IFSPs/IEPs in collaboration with specialists.
• Incorporate culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning strategies.

Classroom Management

• Establish a nurturing and predictable environment with routines and structures appropriate to developmental levels (infant through preschool).
• Ensure active supervision, appropriate teacher-child ratios, and positive interactions at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom that meets Missouri licensing and accreditation standards.

Health, Safety & Licensing

• Implement sanitation, health, and nutrition procedures as required by licensing and Head Start (including diapering, feeding, medication, and daily health checks).
• Follow policies for injury/incident documentation, emergency drills, and mandated reporting.
• Maintain records for daily attendance, meal counts, and licensing compliance.

Family Engagement

• Conduct at least two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually.
• Collaborate with families to support developmental and family goals.
• Provide daily communication with parents and participate in family events and classroom volunteer activities.

Team Collaboration & Professional Growth

• Collaborate with co-teachers, classroom aides, and center leadership to deliver high-quality services.
• Attend all required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development (minimum of 12 clock hours per year per Missouri licensing).
• Participate in coaching cycles and reflective supervision sessions.

Qualifications

Education (Minimum Requirements)

• For Head Start (ages 3–5):
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with 30 ECE credits; Bachelor’s degree preferred. At least a CDA Required.

For Early Head Start (ages 0–3)

• CDA in Infant/Toddler or Associate degree in ECE or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience

• At least 1 year of classroom teaching experience with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children in a licensed childcare or Head Start setting.
• Experience working with diverse populations and low-income families preferred.

Certifications & Compliance

• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or willing to obtain upon hire)
• Must pass Missouri Family Care Safety Registry, fingerprint background check, TB screening, and physical health exam
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred (for home visits)

Key Competencies

• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices (DAP)
• Ability to manage a classroom while remaining calm, warm, and responsive
• Excellent communication, observation, and documentation skills
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous quality improvement

Work Conditions

• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and engage in floor-level interactions with infants/toddlers
• Some evening or weekend hours required for parent events or training once a month.
• Full-time, year-round position

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience

Full benefits package including

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and tuition support
• Retirement plan options

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person