Teacher I
Head Start, Inc.·Billings, Montana
Head Start, Inc.·Billings, Montana
The Teacher I is responsible for creating a nurturing preschool environment and implementing research-based lesson plans tailored to young learners. Key duties include monitoring child development using specific assessment tools and collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams.
We’re on the lookout for a passionate teacher who’s eager to inspire and empower young minds!
The position will begin in August 2025.
We are currently accepting applications in advance and encourage you to apply early!
Not only will you be a vital part of our education staff, but you'll also enjoy excellent benefits that truly value your contribution, including: Competitive Salary & Benefits: We value your hard work and dedication!
Affordable health coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
A 401(k) plan with up to 5% match to help you secure your future 15 paid program holidays - celebrate Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks with your loved ones!
Summer off to recharge and pursue your passions.
Generous PTO to support your well-being Growth Opportunities: Enjoy professional development and career advancement.
Make a Difference: Join us in creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment!
Your Role: As a Head Start Preschool Teacher, you will: Create a nurturing and engaging environment that sparks curiosity Develop and implement exciting lesson plans tailored to young learners Build strong relationships with children and their families Collaborate with a dynamic team to provide an exceptional educational experience Monitor and celebrate each child's growth and development What You Bring: A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (Associates degree considered) A genuine passion for guiding preschool-aged children Strong communication skills and a collaborative spirit ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Planning: Prepare the learning environment so that it encourages discovery, experimentation and creative play.
Plan, organize and execute daily lesson plans based on developmentally appropriate practices and using research-based methods and materials.
Use observations and data to individualize lessons to meet children’s developmental needs.
When required, develop classroom interventions and/or Positive Guidance Plans for children who need more specific or individually directed instruction.
If classroom interventions are not successful, make appropriate referrals for further assessment and additional support of children’s needs.
Supervision & Guidance: Implement a positive approach to guidance and behavior management that focuses on a child’s strengths, takes a developmental view of behavior, and helps the child to learn new behavioral and social skills.
Provide classroom structure and routines that assist young children in learning self-regulation and developing independence in self-care.
Supervise children at all times to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment for children inside and outside the classroom.
Apply Active Supervision principles at all times when supervising children.
Actively participate with children daily, both indoors and outdoors. Incorporate both child-guided and adult-guided educational experiences, taking advantage of both planned and unexpected learning opportunities. Encourage every child to explore, experiment, and be creative. Instill a love of learning.
Using the TS Gold system, regularly collect and record observations and data on children’s progress. Utilize the DECA tool to maintain accurate records and create targeted plans to support children’s behaviors and positive outcomes. Utilize Speed DIAL 4 Tool to assess cognitive, speech & language, and motor development of children.
When a child is involved in the special education process, participate in the multi-disciplinary assessment and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Welcome parents, community visitors and volunteers into the classroom. Work collaboratively with classroom staff to plan activities, determine roles of each staff member, implement lessons, and reflect on results. Complete required two Home Visits and two parent-teacher conferences to reinforce the role of the family in their child's development. Communicate regularly and clearly with parents and classroom team to share curriculum and individual goals for children, and ways that parents can support their children’s education. Share developmental outcomes and progress reports with parents/guardians and set appropriate goals with families that incorporate any special needs of the children.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (or an Associate degree with additional experience) and possess a passion for guiding preschool children. Registration with the Montana Early Childhood Practitioner Registry and membership in professional associations are expected.
Market context
In Montana, classroom teacher roles are typically driven by ongoing demand for experienced educators who can step into licensed early childhood settings and meet certification requirements. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for candidates with verified program experience, CPR, Pediatric First Aid, Infant Safety Essentials, and either 32 hours of ECP training or Level 2 registry status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credentials and highlight your early childhood experience in your application.