Early Head Start Teacher

Early Head Start Teacher: Full‑Time | Early Childhood Education

$18.40-23.00

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is seeking a dedicated Early Head Start Teacher to provide high‑quality, developmentally appropriate services to infants and toddlers in a safe, nurturing classroom or home‑based setting.

This role supports children’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development while building strong partnerships with families. Teachers work in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Maryland licensing regulations, and agency policies—ensuring children and families receive comprehensive, family‑centered services.

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What you’ll do

• Classroom & child development
• Provide a clean, safe, and engaging learning environment that supports infant and toddler growth and development
• Conduct developmental screenings, ongoing observations, and assessments
• Develop and implement daily and weekly lesson plans consistent with MSDE and Head Start standards
• Create and update Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) in collaboration with families
• Supervise children during classroom activities and outdoor play
• Support children’s daily routines, including diapering, toileting, handwashing, teeth brushing, and meals
• Enter observations and child progress data into Teaching Strategies GOLD or MyHeadStart

• Health, safety & compliance
• Perform daily health and safety checks and conduct regular fire drills
• Document incidents, injuries, and hazards according to program requirements
• Ensure accurate attendance records, CACFP meal counts, and classroom inventories
• Maintain complete and up‑to‑date child and family files in compliance with record‑keeping standards

• Family engagement & support
• Conduct home visits and parent‑teacher conferences
• Encourage parent involvement in classroom activities and program events
• Provide families with guidance on child development, safety, nutrition, discipline, and constructive play
• Serve as a liaison to connect families with community resources and agencies
• Support recruitment, enrollment, and community outreach efforts as needed

• Program collaboration
• Participate in staff meetings, case reviews, training, and professional development activities
• Support extended‑day services (up to 10‑hour days) in accordance with Early Head Start grant requirements
• Assist with program operations during extended hours as needed

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SCHEDULE & PROGRAM HOURS • Program operates Monday–Friday, 7

• 30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Standard workday is 7.5 hours, with flexibility required based on program and enrollment needs
• Extended hours coverage assigned as operational needs require

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What we’re looking for

• Education & experience
• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• At least one year of supervised classroom experience with children ages birth to three

• Required certifications
• 45‑Hour Infant & Toddler Certificate
• 90‑Hour Child Care Certificate
• Infant‑Toddler CDA (within 90 days of hire)
• Infant/Toddler CPR & First Aid (within 90 days of hire)
• Universal Precautions Certificate

Preferred

• 9‑Hour Communication Certification
• Valid Maryland driver’s license with required insurance

• Pre‑employment requirements
• Early Head Start CJIS criminal background clearance
• Physical exam and TB screening per Early Head Start guidelines

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• Knowledge, skills & abilities
• Passion for working with infants, toddlers, and families
• Ability to implement developmentally appropriate activities and classroom plans
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate documentation
• Culturally responsive, non‑judgmental approach to supporting families
• Ability to follow instructions, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development

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• Physical requirements
• Medium physical demand
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift up to 25 lbs.
• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, and floor‑level interaction with children throughout the day

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• Travel requirements
• Up to 25% travel within Goodwill’s service territory
• Regular home visits required
• Use of personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement

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• Work environment
• Moderate noise level
• Exposure to conditions typical in early childhood and community‑based settings

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Why work for goodwill?

At Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, you’ll find

• Mission‑driven work that supports children and families
• Stability through federally funded programming
• Professional development and credential growth
• Comprehensive benefits and support

👉 Learn more about our benefits

https://goodwillches.org/about-us/goodwill-careers/ [https://goodwillches.org/about-us/goodwill-careers/]

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EOE – Including Disability/Veterans