Job Description

Position Summary

Are you passionate about sparking curiosity and wonder in young minds? As a Head Start Teacher, you’ll be at the heart of creating a joyful, dynamic learning space where three- to five-year-olds can explore, grow, and shine. Your mission: design hands-on, imaginative lessons that support each child’s emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development.

We’re looking for a creative educator who embraces diversity, adapts to every learner’s unique needs, and partners with families to set each child on the path to school success. You’ll get to blend the latest tech with classic learning activities, making every day engaging and impactful. Plus, you’ll track progress through both fun and formal assessments, helping every student thrive in their own way. If you’re excited to make a difference and build a classroom full of discovery, growth, and laughter, we can’t wait to meet you.

Our Culture Since 1964, UETHDA has been all about  Helping People. Changing Lives. We're passionate about making a difference in our community through education, support, and collaboration. If you believe in empowering others and fostering growth, you’ll feel right at home here!

Essential Functions :

• Foster social and emotional development using positive guidance techniques.
• Create and deliver age-appropriate daily lesson plans and schedules.
• Maintain a safe, healthy classroom following Active Supervision, safety curriculums and accurately track student headcounts and transition protocols.
• Supervise and mentor classroom staff and volunteers with constructive feedback and modeling.
• Implement proactive classroom management strategies for smooth daily operations.
• Support each child’s emotional growth with a warm, culturally sensitive environment.
• Observe, assess, and tailor activities to promote children’s physical and intellectual growth.
• Maintain positive, respectful communication with families, staff, community members, and conduct home visits.
• Adhere to agency policies, complete assigned tasks, and uphold professionalism.
• Support children's social and emotional development using positive guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

Breaks and Holidays :

• 17 paid Break Days and holidays 

Healthcare/Personal Benefits :

• 1 Day of Healthcare/Personal accrued per month (12 days per year)

Additional Benefits:

• Healthcare through the State of Tennessee . UETHDA pays 100% of the monthly premium for the Employee Only (estimated cost paid by UETHDA for the employee is $600 per month ($7,200 annually). Additional insurance coverage is available but cost difference will be paid by the employee.
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance options are offered  at 100% cost to the employee .
• Retirement Plan--Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Eligible employees are required to contribute 5% of yearly wages (pre-tax basis to the defined TCRS plan). UETHDA contributes an amortized amount as determined by TCRS. Employees are vested upon 5 years of eligible service.
• Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Plan also available without employer match.
• Bachelor’s (preferred) or Associate’s in Early Childhood Education/Child Development.
• 2+ years of experience with preschool children.
• Meets Tennessee DHS standards for preschool day care centers.
• Familiar with Head Start Early Learning Outcome Framework.
• Skilled in following pacing guides and creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
• Creative thinker and effective problem solver with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Must pass background check and physical exam with the ability to lift a child weighing up to 50 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position and is paid hourly. Typically, this position will work 40 hours per week. There is no summer lay-off for this position. Working days are Monday through Friday, day shift hours and is located in the Childrens First Center in Johnson City at 837 Pardee Street.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s (preferred) or Associate’s in Early Childhood Education/Child Development.
• 2+ years of experience with preschool children.
• Meets Tennessee DHS standards for preschool day care centers.
• Familiar with Head Start Early Learning Outcome Framework.
• Skilled in following pacing guides and creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
• Creative thinker and effective problem solver with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Must pass background check and physical exam with the ability to lift a child weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must have valid TN driver's license.

EOE Statement

UETHDA hires high quality staff from a variety of fields and education levels who have a passion for changing the lives of others. UETHDA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Salary based 100% on Education/Degree.

$17.75 hourly for AS in Early Childhood Education/Child Development 

$20.50 hourly for BS in Early Childhood Education/Child Development.

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