Early Head Start Teacher

Are you passionate about your early childhood education career and love working with children, families and community?

Join an exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965 through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to employee’s individualized professional growth and development.

Job Summary

We currently have two openings for Early Head Start (EHS)Teacher in North County and South County. Position works year-round. Reporting to the Site Supervisor, the Teacher oversees day-to-day operations of the infant/toddler center classroom services with the goal of quality service delivery to children and families. Both positions are full-time, non-exempt. One is a regular, and one is a temporary position. Salary is dependent on education ($21.73 - $26.98 / hour). Hourly pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification.

Primary Responsibilities

• Providing leadership to center team(s) which assures delivery of quality services within deadlines
• Providing leadership to promote individualized, interdisciplinary service strategies for families
• Overseeing center operations to ensure delivery of quality services in compliance with Head Start performance standards and other regulations, including Community Care Licensing
• Implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the needs of young children.
• Ensuring accurate, up-to-date record keeping/documentation within required deadlines.
• Planning and coordination of class activities with staff team, and liaison with other managers and sites
• Demonstrate initiative, good judgment and problem-solving skills; seek assistance when needed; exercise discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues
• Referring and supporting children with special needs
• Supporting parent involvement
  

Qualifications

• Have a current national infant and toddler center-based CDA credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition OR
  

Have a comparable certificate or credential that meets or exceeds the national infant and toddler center-based CDA credential requirements (California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher) OR

Have a degree in child development or ECE as well as training or coursework with a focus on infant/toddler development OR

Have a degree in a related field as well as training or coursework with a focus on infant/toddler development

• Have three (3) units in Administration or Supervision or obtain within one(1) year of hire AND
  

Sixteen (16) hours of preventive health (course or certification) AND

Twelve (12) Core ECE units OR a current Associate Teacher permit AND

Three (3) units in infant care AND

At least six (6) months of experience in a licensed Infant Care enter or Comparable Group child care for children under 5 years old

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program regulations.
• Intermediate computer literacy skills
• Knowledge of community and County resources.
• Good command of English; Bilingual, English/Spanish-speaking abilities ( required )
• Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States.
• Criminal Record Clearance, Physical examination, TB, MMR & Tdap (vaccine) clearance before hire.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Provide own transportation; Valid Driver’s License, vehicle insurance and good driving record.
• Flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends
  

About Us

Encompass Community Services has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1973, providing a broad spectrum of social services to over 8,000 children, individuals, and families annually. As the largest community-based, nonprofit human services provider in Santa Cruz County, we deliver quality, culturally competent, cost-effective services through a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more.

Position works in the Child & Family Development Programs (CFDP) service area. This service area provides early childhood education, social services, and parent education to 1,000 families with young children each year via Head Start/Early Head Start and State Preschool. Offering this support as early as possible promotes healthy families and encourages parents to nurture their child’s physical, social and cognitive development.

Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan, 403(b) retirement plan, vacation, holiday (regular position only), and sick time. The regular position is also eligible for paid Winter and Spring Break (time off with pay).

Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

If we find that your qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, we will contact you with further instructions. Thank you for your interest in Encompass!