Head Start Teacher (Contract)

Do you want to make a difference in a child's life? As a Head Start Teacher, you will promote active learning in a preschool classroom by planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, individualized experiences and creating a safe and nurturing environment for children. We will count on you to use cognitive-developmental approaches to enhance the student's language and literacy skills. As a Head Start Teacher, you will also have the opportunity to plan and participate in parent education, parent engagement, and family support activities.

We offer various classroom sites across the county. Our classrooms are welcoming and designed for interactive learning by children and their families. We offer a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1:10 with 20 students per classroom to provide the greatest opportunity for a healthy and effective learning environment. Did we mention that the county provides the supplies needed to support our teaching staff? We also offer to be part of a compassionate team of early education professionals who believe in the mission of preparing these children for future school success.

Be the spark that lights our children's path to success, and become a Head Start Teacher!

Classroom Locations for Head Start Teacher (Contract)

• Adams 738 S Longmore, Mesa, AZ 85202
• Bellview - 466 S Bellview, Mesa, AZ 85204

In Human Services, we focus on maximizing potential and providing support and resources for all stages of life. We partner with families and communities to encourage children to learn, invite youth and adults to cultivate professional skills, guide families to achieve financial success and enable seniors to live independently.

Join our team and unlock your potential!

Proud to Offer

• Paid continuing education, professional development, and tuition reimbursement
• Fully supplied classrooms
• Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance card and renewal paid for by Maricopa County
• Amazing health and wellness programs, including Pet Insurance! Our health insurance plans are more than competitive, with the option to earn a wellness incentive payback of $60 per month
• Free Office of Head Start membership
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Enrollments in Arizona State Retirement System

We Require

• One year of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or public pre-kindergarten setting
• Associate's degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or an equivalent college degree with 18 credits in early childhood education, child development, or infant/toddler development

We Also Value

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or an equivalent college degree with 18 credits in early childhood education, child development or infant/toddler development
• Two or more years of experience teaching in a licensed childcare or pre-kindergarten setting
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Job Contributions

• Assumes responsibility for the supervision, care, and welfare of the classroom children to ensure their safety and well-being at all times
• Develops, organizes, and implements age-appropriate child education curriculum
• Plans classroom experiences that meet different developmental stages, interests, temperaments, learning styles, languages, and cultural backgrounds
• Develops and implements a multicultural curriculum that utilizes developmentally appropriate practices which meet the needs and interests of students
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and Office of Head Start Performance Standards regulations, Arizona licensing requirements, and program policies and procedures
• Respect, value, and support each child and family background and facilitate parent participation as equal partners in all aspects of Educational Plans
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with each family, site team members, community agencies, community partners, and grantee staff members

Working Conditions

• Background check and Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card upon hire
• Medical exam that includes screening for tuberculosis (TB) upon hire
• Follows a full-year schedule, typically comprised of 2,088 hours annually, with classrooms operating Monday - Friday
• Classroom, playground, and office environment with possible exposure to bodily fluids and infectious disease
• Must obtain a CPR, first aid, and food handler's certification within six weeks of hire
• Ability to travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday using a private or County vehicle
• Ability to fill in as a substitute staff member at another program site occasionally
• Ability to stand, sit on the floor, be indoors/outdoors for extended periods, and lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work with children with special needs, IEPs, 504s, and various medical conditions

Selection Procedure

• Only the most qualified candidates will be considered
• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply Now!