Date: 7/11/2025
Program: Douglas Cherokee Head Start
Job Title: Teacher
Location: Jefferson County- Cherokee Head Start FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time; 37.5 hours per week; 10 month
Salary Grade: 17.03 per hour- Associate’s Degree, $20.68 per hour- Bachelor’s Degree
Reports to: Area Coordinator, Curriculum & Assessment Manager, Head Start Director
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Curriculum & Assessment Manager, the teacher will plan educational, developmentally appropriate activities for preschool children. In addition, the teacher will perform specific related activities and services necessary to meet Social Services, Nutrition, Disabilities, and Parent Involvement component operation standards. The teacher may be designated as Site Director for Licensing.
ROLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Education Requirements
- Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); or related degree.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of one year’s experience teaching preschool children.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Organizes classroom and maintains a safe and healthy learning environment.
- Observes, assesses, refers, and evaluates each child’s progress in assigned in classroom, and plans/implements classroom activities based on individual needs of the children to advance physical and intellectual competence.
- Promotes social and emotional development of children; maintains classroom discipline using positive guidance techniques.
- Supervises and interacts with children in all daily activities both inside and outside.
- Makes home visits and/or holds parent-teacher conferences as required; assists with parent meetings; and maintains positive communication with staff, parents, and community participants regarding program activities and objectives.
- Records and maintains Head Start documentation and submits reports as required; attends meetings and required training.
- Leads the classroom team by promoting a teamwork atmosphere, delegating tasks and providing training for center staff/substitutes/volunteers as needed.
- Will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining indoor and outdoor premises on a daily basis (i.e. sweep, mop, clean bathroom, empty waste containers, and dispose of trash for pick-up). Pick up debris and other trash outdoors and keep area neat and attractive at all times.
- Will assume other duties as assigned by the Area Coordinator, Curriculum and Assessment Manager, and the Head Start Director.
- Attends training & county staff meetings as scheduled on Head Start calendar.
- Demonstrates work habits which comply with agency personnel policies and procedures, and completes special assignments from supervisor(s), coordinators/managers, and/or Head Start Director.
- Welcome families to participate in their child’s learning activities in the classroom, at home, and in the community. Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom to support their child and the program.
- Encourage parents, families, and community members to support our children and the program through gifts of time, goods, and/or monetary donations to ensure program local match (in-kind) as required to continue receiving federal funding.
WORK SITE: Jefferson County- Initial worksite Cherokee Head Start
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Comply with all rules, policies and procedures of the Agency.
- Maintain confidentiality of family, child, and Agency information.
- Must maintain documentation per licensing requirements.
- Must perform specific related activities necessary to meet Social Services, Nutrition, Disabilities, and Parent Involvement component operation standards.
- Does not discriminate in the provision of services and makes sure that no person is excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or benefit because of race, color, religion, gender (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, citizenship, ethnicity, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, or Veteran status unless those exclusions are based upon bona fide qualifications mandated by program service eligibility criteria.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
- Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
- Must agree to a pre-employment background check.
- Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and available transportation for work-related duties with mileage reimbursed.
- Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
- Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
- Must have the ability to lift children and to physically assist them as needed.
- Will frequently lift or move weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children (20-60#).
- Required to stand up to 95% of the workday.
- Must be able to interact with children on the playground or in the classroom. Ex: run, jump, dance, physical exercise.
- Must be able to stoop and bend to interact with children on their level.
- Able to physically and mentally react immediately to unexpected circumstances.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Application Deadline: Applications accepted until position is filled.
To Apply: Send application and/or resume to: Human Resources Manager DCEA Head Start/Early Head Start, 127 Cedar Street, Morristown, TN 37814. Email applications to jobs@dceaheadstart.org.