Early Head Start Teacher
New Today
Full-time
Description
Company: Pathfinder
Job Title: Early Head Start Teacher
Category: Childcare & Education
Location: Huntington, IN
Job Type: Full-Time
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30a-4:30p (40hr)
Starting Pay: $16.65-$21.95/hr based on education
Job Summary:
Make a Difference from the Start.
As an Early Head Start Teacher at Pathfinder, you'll help nurture young minds through purposeful, play-based learning. This role supports children ages 0-3 during critical years of development by building strong relationships, honoring family culture, and creating a safe, enriching classroom environment.
As an Early Head Start Teacher at Pathfinder, You Will:
Learning & Curriculum Planning
- Develop and implement weekly lesson plans aligned with assessment data and the Early Learning Outcomes Framework
- Create culturally responsive, hands-on activities that support development in all learning domains
- Use Conscious Discipline and developmentally appropriate practices to foster emotional growth
Child Development Support
- Complete and document developmental screenings within 45 days of enrollment and on an ongoing basis
- Track child progress and partner with families to set individualized learning goals
- Ensure daily routines promote exploration, independence, and safety
Family Engagement & Communication
- Conduct regular home visits and parent-teacher conferences
- Support parent involvement through shared goal setting and nutrition assessments
- Communicate regularly and respectfully with families from diverse backgrounds
Compliance & Classroom Environment
- Follow and implement all Indiana Child Care Licensing Guidelines and Head Start Performance Standards
- Maintain a safe, predictable classroom in line with NAEYC and Paths to Quality requirements
- Document attendance, child progress, and safety checks according to policy
Team Collaboration & Professional Growth
- Work positively with co-teachers and staff to ensure a supportive team environment
- Attend regular staff meetings and participate in required training (20+ hours annually)
- Actively contribute to continuous improvement and staff development efforts
Key Responsibilities:
The Impact You'll Make as an Early Head Start Teacher:
- Promote school readiness and lifelong learning for infants and toddlers
- Build trust with families as a supportive educational partner
- Create a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive
- Advance Pathfinder's mission to empower people to live their best lives from the very beginning
What You Bring to the Role:
Skills & Competencies
- Warm, approachable communication style with strong relationship-building skills
- Effective time management, flexibility, and a team-first attitude
- Understanding of child development and commitment to equity
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards
What to Expect in This Role:
- Fast-paced, flexible classroom environment with frequent transitions
- 40-hour workweek with occasional home visits outside standard hours
- Daily interaction with children, families, and team members
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within Pathfinder
- Required participation in staff meetings, trainings, and community events
Pathfinder's mission is to strengthen communities by enabling people with disabilities or economic challenges to achieve autonomy, inclusion, and stability.
Benefits & Pathfinder Perks - We Care About YOU!
Competitive Benefits Package (if applicable):
- Competitive Pay & Paid Training - Earn while you learn with comprehensive training.
- Paid Time Off & Holidays - Maintain a healthy work-life balance with PTO and paid holidays.
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage - Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to support your well-being.
- Employer-Paid Coverage - Enjoy free Basic Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD).
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - Plan for your future with a generous retirement savings plan and employer contributions.
- Tuition Reimbursement - Invest in your future with financial assistance for continued education.
- Professional Development & Training - Enhance your skills and career through learning opportunities.
- Person-Centered Thinking Training - Gain valuable insights into individualized care and service.
Pathfinder Perks:
- Wellness Platform Incentives - Earn rewards for prioritizing your health and well-being.
- Financial Wellness Platform - Access earned wages before payday for added financial flexibility.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support sessions for employees and their immediate household members.
- Free Pathfinder Kids Clinic - Providing childcare for children in the community with minor illnesses.
- Exclusive Discounts - Save with special offers, including:
- Verizon Wireless Discount - Stay connected for less.
- YMCA Discount - Enjoy reduced membership rates for fitness and wellness.
Pathfinder Values: People First - Integrity - Contribution - Growth - Empowerment
Requirements
Preferred Minimum Qualifications
- A minimum of an infant/toddler CDA or 120 hours specific to infant/toddler development. An associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field.
- Staff hired with a degree in a related field have four months to complete CDA coursework equivalent to 120 hours of infant/toddler-specific training.
- At least 21 years of age.
- Basic language, written, and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to support people with disabilities.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule if needed.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to speak, hear, and read the English language.
- Be able to run, squat, stoop/bend, kneel, and climb stairs
- Be able to lift 50 pounds and push/pull against potential resistance.
- Be able to implement CPR and First Aid when needed.
- Location:
- Huntington
- Job Type:
- PartTime