Teacher

Position: Head Start Teacher

Location: Lexington Head Start

Work schedule - 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 5 days per week

40 weeks (10 mo.) / 80 hrs. bi-weekly

Salary: Based on education (Minimum salary $16.91 per hr.)

Benefits include: 100% Premium Paid State of TN Health Insurance. 100% Paid State of Tennessee Retirement, State paid Holidays, 100% premium paid Dental/Vision, Life / LTD, paid Time Off.

Position Overview:

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for managing daily operations in a pre-school classroom, ensuring compliance with program policies and providing a safe, enriching environment for children. This position reports directly to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Manager.

Job Duties Include: Carry out a program of instruction ensuring program policies and procedures are being met for a pre-school classroom of up to 20 children, supervise an Assistant Teacher and Classroom Aide. Make home visits, encourage parent involvement, and work closely with other staff concerning enrollment and meeting the needs of families.

Basic Qualifications: Applicant must possess an AA or higher degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with 18 credit hours of Early Childhood Education. Applicant should also possess good written, verbal, and computer skills. Experience and/or training in working with pre-school children is desired. Must pass physical exam, TB screening, drug screen, and criminal/fingerprint background check.

AN ORIGINAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY RELEVANT COURSEWORK

Southwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Accepting applications until November 8, 2026 or until filled.

SOUTHWEST HUMAN RESOURCE AGENCY

Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) is a public non-profit organization created to deliver essential Human Resources services. Established in 1982 under the Human Resources Act of 1973 by the Tennessee General Assembly, SWHRA has had a significant positive impact on thousands of individuals throughout the Southwest Tennessee Region via its numerous programs and services.

Serving the public requires the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professional excellence. Southwest is committed to providing unbiased, high-value services to its clients, and we expect our employees, consultants, and contractors to uphold the highest ethical business practices.

All Southwest employees must:

  • Maintain professional conduct at all times.
  • Respect the rights of all employees, clients, and vendors to fair treatment, free from harassment.
  • Perform responsibilities with honesty, cooperation, and effectiveness.
  • Avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest in business relationships or using their position for personal gain.
  • Accurately charge and record all costs on timesheets, expense reports, purchase requisitions, travel vouchers, and other business records.
  • Protect Southwest and client property from theft, damage, or misuse and accurately account for its location. 
  • Safeguard sensitive information and the rights of employees and clients.
  • Ensure human health, safety, and environmental protection within the scope of their responsibilities.

Position Overview:

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for managing daily operations in a pre-school classroom, ensuring compliance with program policies and providing a safe, enriching environment for children. This position reports directly to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Manager.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Classroom Supervision & Safety:
    • Ensure the health and safety of all children in the classroom.
    • Maintain at least two adults in the classroom at all times when children are present.
  • Classroom Management:
    • Maintain and implement a daily schedule that reflects early childhood development principles and meets the needs of the children.
    • Oversee and direct teaching staff and volunteers, training them to take over classroom responsibilities when necessary.
  • Compliance & Program Implementation:
    • Ensure adherence to operational policies, including Federal Performance Standards, DHS Licensure Rules, health and fire inspections, and sanitation guidelines.
    • Coordinate field trips with the ECD Manager and Child Health Services Manager.
  • Lesson Planning & Teaching:
    • Prepare, post, and implement lesson plans and activities based on early childhood development.
    • Collaborate with staff to document and assess children, developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) through screenings like Brigance and assessments via Teaching Strategies.
  • Parental & Family Engagement:
    • Engage with parents and family members to share information and encourage participation in Head Start activities.
    • Assist in organizing the Head Start Parent Committee and documenting parent participation as volunteers.
    • Conduct two home visits and two Parent-Teacher conferences annually.
  • Documentation & Record Keeping:
    • Ensure the accurate and timely completion of classroom and family records.
    • Maintain up-to-date records for all component areas and submit required reports to Area Manager or Site Supervisor.
    • Assist with attendance and meal counts for ChildPlus database entry.
  • Special Education Support:
    • Work with Local Education Authorities (LEAs) and other Head Start staff to develop and implement IEPs for children with special needs.
  • Staff Collaboration & Support:
    • Collaborate with the Family and Community Partnerships Manager, Family Case Managers, and other staff to meet the specific needs of children and their families.
    • Assist in providing input for annual performance evaluations of staff assigned to the facility.
    • Assist other staff and perform janitorial duties as needed to maintain classroom cleanliness.
  • Professional Development:
    • Attend relevant training sessions, workshops, and conferences related to early childhood education.
    • Collaborate with the Education Coach to set goals and improve skills annually.
  • General Support:
    • Request necessary supplies and equipment for the classroom.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by the Area Manager or Site Coordinator.
Key Relationships:
Internal Partnerships:
  • Assistant Teacher
  • Classroom Aide
  • Family Case Manager
  • Area Manager/Site Supervisor
  • Head Start Managers
  • Head Start Director
  • Executive Director
External Partnerships:
  • Customers
  • Vendors
  • Public School Personnel
  • Licensing Representatives
Requires Qualifications & Skills:
  • Educational Requirements:
    • Graduation from an accredited two-year program (Associate Degree) in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with at least 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.
  • Experience:
    • Minimum of one year of experience working with pre-school-aged children.
  • Skills:
    • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making abilities.
    • Proficiency in managing detailed and confidential information.
    • Strong written, verbal, and computer skills.
Per-Employment Requirements:
  • Successful completion of a physical examination, drug screening, criminal background check, and fingerprinting.