Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Head Start Teacher

Reports To: Director of Early Childhood Education

Location: SAMMinistries Transitional Living and Learning Center

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Prepared by: Director of Early Childhood Education

Approved by: Vice President of Supportive Housing

Approved Date: July 2026

Salary Rate: $17.00/hr.

Apply online: https://www.samm.org/careers/

SUMMARY: The Head Start teacher is responsible for providing early childhood care and education to children ages three to five years old at the Children’s Enrichment Center. Teachers may at times work with children as young as 18 months and up to 12 years, based on program needs and are expected to adapt to varying developmental levels and classroom environments. The selected candidate requires strong child development knowledge, effective classroom management skills, and the ability to create a safe, structured, and engaging environment using developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed practices. Teachers support cognitive, social, and emotional development through intentional instruction, consistent routines, and positive behavior guidance.

1. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepare and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
2. Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging classroom environment using positive, trauma-informed behavior guidance strategies.
3. Support children in meeting developmental milestones through individualized instruction and responsive teaching practices.
4. Foster children’s social and emotional development, including skills such as sharing, communication, and self-regulation.
5. Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy learning environment, including proper use and care of classroom materials, equipment, and spaces.
6. Supervise children at all times, including during classroom activities, transitions, meals, and outdoor play, ensuring safety and well-being.
7. Communicate regularly with parents and guardians in a professional and respectful manner, support family engagement and partnership in children’s development.
8. Collaborate with other teachers, staff, and program leadership to support classroom operations, continuity of care, and program quality.
9. Work effectively with children and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
10. Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong attendance in alignment with program expectations.
11. Report suspected child abuse in accordance with state law and organizational policy.
12. Perform routine cleaning and sanitizing of classroom materials and equipment as needed.
13. Complete additional duties as assigned to support program operations.

1. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

1. Must be able to achieve and maintain CPR and First Aid certification
2. Knowledge of child cognitive, social, and skills development methods and techniques.
3. Participate in training and continuing education to develop skills and knowledge.
4. Demonstrate teaching and discipline techniques that are appropriate to children’s ages and developmental levels, and that are in accordance with Children’s Enrichment Center and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Licensing policies and guidelines.
5. Develop goals, priorities and timelines on a regular basis, ensuring timely and efficient management and completion of all related tasks.
6. Communicate and coordinate priorities, progress, workload, and challenges to supervisor on a regular basis.
7. Attend staff meetings and participate in organization‐wide planning activities.
8. Professionally and actively handle other tasks as assigned.
9. Keep up to date on current community opportunities.
10. Undertake all activities with the highest ethical standards.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED is required, associate’s degree or college credits in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or a closely related field is strongly preferred; candidates must meet the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Texas State licensing requirements for preschool teaching staff, including completion of all required annual professional development training as outlined by Child Care Licensing, Texas Rising Star, and Head Start guidelines; candidates must possess or be willing to obtain Child Development Associate Certification; and a minimum of one year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities described, three years preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License, a good driving record and proper insurance coverage. Monthly mileage reimbursed for applicable and documented work-related mileage. Some travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job requires standing or walking 50% or more of the workday; bending, twisting, and stooping; and the ability to move throughout campus as well as into and out of buildings and rooms. Requires handling of objects 10-20 pounds, and occasionally lifting objects that may be up to 40 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is primarily indoors, but the preschool teacher will supervise children outdoors during play and activities. Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals.

EEO

SAMMinistries provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, SAMMinistries complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.