Head Start Teacher

Overview

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

 

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

 

Your Mission in Action

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for creating a developmentally appropriate, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for preschool-aged children. This role ensures the implementation of Head Start Performance Standards, providing high-quality early childhood education that supports children's cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. The teacher fosters strong relationships with children, families, and staff while using research-based curricula and assessments to guide instruction. Additionally, the teacher maintains compliance with licensing regulations, promotes family engagement, and collaborates with colleagues to ensure the success of each child in a safe, nurturing, and enriching classroom environment.  

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, research-based instruction aligned with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) and state standards
• Foster a safe, nurturing, and responsive classroom that supports children's social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Observe, document, and assess children’s progress using approved assessment tools to individualize instruction and support growth
• Build strong partnerships with families, provide regular communication on child progress, and encourage family participation in program activities 
• Use positive guidance techniques to promote self-regulation, problem-solving, and social-emotional development 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment while adhering to licensing, health, and safety regulations 
• Work with teacher assistants, support staff, and specialists to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities or special needs
• Participate in training, coaching, and ongoing professional growth opportunities to enhance teaching effectiveness 
• Complete lesson plans, attendance, assessments, and other required documentation in compliance with Head Start and program policies 
• Assist children in transitioning to kindergarten by developing school-readiness skills and collaborating with families and receiving schools 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)/Child development, or in a different field with at least 15 credit hours in ECE   
• Willing to obtain COR Advantage Assessment certification 
• Willing to obtain CPR and first aid certification 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) or a related field 
• One (1) year experience working with preschool-aged children in an early childhood setting 
• Head Start experience or familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards and ELOF 
• Experience working with dual-language learners and children with disabilities 
• Training in CLASS, Conscious Discipline, or other early childhood best practices 
• CPR and First Aid Certification 

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 10%

Perks at Upbring 

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more  
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted Gym Memberships  

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level 
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during classroom activities and outdoor play 
• Must be able to reach, stretch, and perform repetitive motions when assisting children or setting up the classroom 
• Ability to lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs.  
• Clear vision and hearin