Early Head Start Teacher

Western Dairyland Head Start is hiring a full-time, full-year Early Head Start Teacher at our Early Head Start Center in Independence, WI.

The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the daily educational and social activities of young children enrolled in an Early Head Start Classroom. The work also requires direct contact with the parents to involve them in planning and cooperating with the Head Start program. The Early Head Start Teacher will also be responsible for assisting the Center Manager in planning, implementing, supervising, and evaluating the Early Head Start Program.

The salary range for an associate degree is $42,152 to $52,690 and for a bachelor’s degree is $43,511 to $54,390. This position will be scheduled Monday-Friday. *This position will transition to a four-day work week (Monday through Thursday, 36 hours per week/9 hours per day) beginning September 2025.

Essential Functions:

• Plan lessons for assigned classrooms.
• Integrate child assessment data in individual and group planning to ensure inclusion of all children.
• Provide for the health and safety of participants in the Center along with the Center Manager.
• Recommend purchases of equipment and supplies to the Center Manager.
• Responsible for daily activities with children individually and in assigned groups.
• Complete developmental screenings.
• Conduct ongoing assessment to evaluate each child’s developmental level and progress in outcomes aligned to the school readiness goals.
• Conduct at least two home visits per program year for each family to engage the parents in the child’s learning and development, if applicable.
• Facilitate parent conferences at least two times per year to enhance parents’ knowledge and understanding of the child’s education and developmental progress.
• Train volunteers for classroom assistance.
• Implement classroom activities and outdoor activities.
• Prepare the classroom, outdoor space, and other center facilities for daily activities.
• Prepare classroom materials for daily activities.
• Attend IFSP meetings and other agency’s consultations to coordinate activities and to share information.
• Coordinate component efforts for families through Tiered staff meetings with Head Start staff and program managers when necessary.
• Provide information on class activities at parent meetings and through handouts and newsletters.
• Implement positive guidance and model appropriate practice.
• Work closely with center staff, program managers, and outside agency, if applicable, to refer children to the appropriate services.
• Maintain online records on each child to document progress. (TSG online assessment)
• Maintain attendance records on each child.
• Maintain children’s portfolios, work samples, education files and medical log.
• Maintain necessary Child Plus documentation for children and families.
• Maintain Current DPI license, if applicable.
• Knowledge of state and federal Head Start regulations; Child Care Licensing Rules; Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework; Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement; and Developmentally Appropriate Practices
• Demonstrate understanding of Head Start philosophy and Western Dairyland Head Start’s core values
• Demonstrate sensitivity to culture and family background
• Comply with Policies and Procedures and Standards of Conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality
• Complete individual needs assessment and develop professional development goals annually
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of professional development per year
• Supervise Teacher Assistants, Cooks, and Bus Drivers in the absence of the Center Manager

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and must:

• Have good computer skills
• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Be able to relate to low-income families in a supportive role
• Be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Be punctual and maintain a neat appearance
• Be able to make decisions sometimes immediately
• Have excellent multi-tasking ability
• Have excellent listening skills
• Be able to make presentations
• Have good organizational skills
• Clearance of background checks as required by local, state and federal regulations
• Physical examination and TB test as required by local, state and federal regulations

Additional qualifications for Hmong/Spanish Bilingual staff:

• Proficiency in Hmong/Spanish languages, both written and oral

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Experience teaching in the field of Early Childhood and work with families related to the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework Model.
• Current Wisconsin DPI licensure and/or Registry Certificate required.

Licenses, Certifications, Authorizations Required:

• Must hold a current Wisconsin DPI Early Childhood License and/or Registry Certificate
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must have an insured vehicle
• Must meet Western Dairyland’s insurability requirements
• Current CPR/First Aid certification

We offer a complete benefit package, including:

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) plan with up to a 6% match (employee contributes 3%, WDEOC contributes 6% for a 9% total)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual performance-based wage increases of 4% to 6%
• Vacation
• Personal leave
• Paid holidays
• Sick leave
• Opportunities for continuing education, conferences, and classes
• WDEOC is a qualified employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To apply for this position:

· Send a cover letter and resume to Human Resources at HR@wdeoc.org

This agency is an equal opportunity employer. WDEOC provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type: race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive and family-friendly work environment. Learn more about our organization at www.westerndairyland.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,152.00 - $54,390.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,152 - $54,390