POSITION OVERVIEW

About the Position

Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life? As a Head Start Teacher, you will promote active learning in a preschool classroom by planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, individualized experiences and creating a safe and nurturing environment for children. We will count on you to use cognitive-developmental approaches to enhance the student’s language and literacy skills. You will also have the opportunity to plan and participate in parent education, parent engagement, and family support activities.

Be the spark that lights our children’s future! Apply now!

About the Department of Human Services

Together, we can thrive.

In Human Services, we focus on maximizing potential and providing support and resources for all stages of life. We partner with families and communities to encourage children to learn, invite youth and adults to cultivate professional skills, guide families to achieve financial success, and enable seniors to live independently.

Join our team and unlock your potential.    

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

Education

• Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or an equivalent college degree with 18 credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Infant/Toddler Development (as evidenced by a transcript), OR
• High school diploma or GED AND
  • Currently enrolled in a program that will lead to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree to be completed within six months of hire, OR
  • Currently enrolled in a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program upon hire to be completed within six months of hire, OR
  • Currently possess an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Experience

• One year of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or public pre-k setting

Other Requirements

• Must complete a background check and fingerprint identification upon hire to secure and maintain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Must complete a medical exam that includes screening for TB
• Must obtain a CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler’s certification within six weeks of hire
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish may be required for some positions

Our Preferred Candidate has

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or an equivalent college degree with 18 credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Infant/Toddler Development (as evidenced by a transcript)
• Two or more years of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or pre-K setting
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS

The tasks listed are a representation and not an all-inclusive list of essential job tasks for this position.

• Assumes responsibility for the supervision, care, and welfare of the classroom children to ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times
• Develops, organizes, and implements age-appropriate child education curriculum
• Plans classroom experiences that meet different developmental stages, interests, temperaments, learning styles, languages, and cultural backgrounds
• Develops and implements a multicultural curriculum that utilizes developmentally appropriate practices which meet the needs and interests of students
• Ensures compliance with all Federal, State, and Office of Head Start Performance Standards regulations, AZ Licensing requirements, and program policies and procedures
• Respects, values, and supports each child and family backgrounds and facilitates parent participation as equal partners in all aspects of Educational Plans
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with each family, site team members, community agencies, community partners, and grantee staff members

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a classroom, playground, and office environment. May require travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County or private vehicles used on County business. May be required to fill in as a substitute staff member at another program site. Must be able to lift to 40 pounds. Must stand, sit on the floor, and be indoors or outdoors for extended periods. This position could be exposed to bodily fluids and infectious disease.

Head Start Teacher positions follow either a full or partial year schedule. The positions that follow a full-year schedule are typically comprised of 2088 hours annually. The partial-year schedule positions generally are comprised of 1,608 hours annually. Birth to Five site classrooms operate Monday through Friday.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

Education

• Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or an equivalent college degree with 18 credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Infant/Toddler Development (as evidenced by a transcript), OR
• High school diploma or GED AND
  • Currently enrolled in a program that will lead to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree to be completed within six months of hire, OR
  • Currently enrolled in a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program upon hire to be completed within six months of hire, OR
  • Currently possess an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Experience

• One year of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or public pre-k setting

Other Requirements

• Must complete a background check and fingerprint identification upon hire to secure and maintain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Must complete a medical exam that includes screening for TB
• Must obtain a CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler’s certification within six weeks of hire
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish may be required for some positions

Our Preferred Candidate has

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or an equivalent college degree with 18 credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Infant/Toddler Development (as evidenced by a transcript)
• Two or more years of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or pre-K setting
• Bilingual in English and Spanish