Head Start Teacher

Description

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. 

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Teacher I provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child has the opportunity to develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Education and Development

1. Assist in implementing a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child’s age and language.
2. Follow the approved daily schedule to implement to fidelity the daily lesson plans from the approved curricula.
3. Use teaching strategies that illustrates the CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
4. Assist classroom Teacher by co-facilitating Groups A & B and actively keeping children engaged during learning activities throughout the day.
5. Purposefully interact with children and extend play and learning by rotating through learning centers during center play.
6. Input daily child observation data in TS Gold.
7. Individualize for children throughout the day based on the observed needs of children, the goals set forth in support plans, and the ongoing analysis of child data.
8. Implement a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning; and which includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time.
9. Assist with providing a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment, which includes adding new and interesting materials each week.
10. Provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline policy.
11. Develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourage his or her social and emotional development.
12. Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards (these may include those set forth by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Head Start).
13. Participate in research initiatives pertaining to early child hood education, development, and related topics.

Children’s Health and Developmental Services

1. Conduct daily health checks on each child.
2. Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, shortterm exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of
3. medication.
4. Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.
5. Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.

Family Partnerships 

1. Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.
2. Attend parent meetings as assigned.
3. Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
4. Inform parents concerning their children’s progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, learning outcomes, parent conferences and home visits.
5. Maintain transition procedures for children moving to another classroom or program and coordinate transition with other appropriate program staff.

Nutrition 

1. Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
2. Serve food in a way that encourages the development and socialization of