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 hearing to observe, monitor, and respond to children's needs and ensure child safety 
• Must be able to adapt to changing schedules, classroom needs and emergencies as required 

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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