Community Action Corporation of South Texas·Duval County, Texas
Responsible for the care and education of infants and toddlers by implementing research-based curricula and developmental screenings. The role involves collaborating with parents, managing classroom safety, and documenting child progress and attendance.
Responsible for the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team and functions as a team leader or co-leader. Implements and plans the curriculum with active participation of other members of the caregiving team, working with parents and assesses the needs of individual children.
1. Implement screening procedures that identify concerns in the developmental, behavioral, motor, language, social, cognitive, and emotional skills of each child in the classroom within 45 calendar days of the child’s entry into the Program.
2. Implement a research-based curriculum with effective teaching practices that promote positive outcomes by promoting growth in the developmental progression described in the Head Start Early learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five. Integrate child assessment data and developmentally appropriate learning experiences in planning and implementing a collaboratively designed lesson plan.
3. Conducts Parent-Teacher conferences at least two center visits and two home visits, with more frequent conferences conducted as appropriate.
5. Implements the classroom’s emergency procedures, including the posting of procedures, locations and telephone numbers of emergency response systems, emergency evacuation routes, notifying families of emergencies and other procedures and the maintenance of up-to-date family contact information and authorization for emergency care. Conducts and documents monthly fire drills. Conducts and documents severe weather and lockdown drills four times per year.
6. Implements the classroom’s medication administration procedures, including storing all medication under lock and key, administering medication and maintaining individual records of dispensed medication.
7. Assures that the child’s outdoor and indoor environments are safe and clean at all times, including storing outdoor equipment such as wagons and tricycles and storing dangerous materials and potential poisons under lock and key. Works with the Child Care Assistant in cleaning duties such as sweeping, mopping, disinfecting, washing dishes and other required duties.
8. Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of all children in the classroom at all times, including “active supervision”. Maintains child/staff ratio and ensures that no child is left alone or unsupervised. Assures that the classroom’s environment is developmentally appropriate for each child.
9. Assists the Family Advocates in making referrals for services for children and their families and in obtaining physicals, dentals, immunizations and other necessary documentation from parents.
10. Conducts activities in the classroom to conform to the Program’s written program plans, Performance Standards, Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, Minimum Standards for Licensing, CACOST’s Head Start Birth to Five Program policies and procedures, School Readiness Goals and the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework.
11. Assures that the classroom maintains full enrollment and that average daily attendance is at least 85% of enrollment.
12. Supports parent involvement and development by maintaining open communication with parents concerning their child’s needs and strengths, conducting Center meetings and offer opportunities for parents and family members to be involved in the program’s education services and in obtaining In-kind documentation.
13. Insures the implementation of children’s IFSPs or Plans of Care for children with Disabilities.
14. Responsible for the documentation of attendance, education, health, nutrition, mental health, transition, and parent family engagement and disabilities into the appropriate program software, portfolio, or child’s file.
15. Complies with the Program's confidentiality policies.
16. Any other duty as assigned by the Cluster Manager.
As prescribed in section 648A(a)(3)(B) of the Head Start Act, a minimum of a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or comparable credential and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development. An Associate Degree in child development, early childhood education or equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children. Must attend 24 clock hours of professional development and staff training per year to include: active supervision, safety practices, training that improves child and family outcomes, training on methods to handle suspected or known child abuse and neglect cases that comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and any other trainings as outlined by the Head Start Performance Standards and Child Care Regulation from the State of Texas.
If a preliminary offer of employment is extended, a physical will be required before the offer can be accepted. Able to perform the following physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation: critical sensory requirements include general vision; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Hear or listen in the normal range (corrected) and speak and give directions clearly. Able to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 10 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Requires a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an Associate Degree in early childhood education. Candidates must pass a background check and physical, and possess a valid driver's license.
Market context
In Texas, infant/toddler teacher roles are commonly driven by ongoing childcare staffing needs, especially in programs serving working families and young children. This role can be competitive because employers often look for hands-on experience, physical stamina, and comfort supporting both children and families. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page against the original posting, and confirm whether your experience with young children and lifting demands matches the role before applying.