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Title: Head Start Teacher, Newton - 999931

Position Number: 999931

Unit/Department: Drake Head Start

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience 

Department Summary:

The Mission of Head Start and Early Head Start is a noble one: “better preparing young children and their families for life experiences now and in the future.”

Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to age 5, in classroom settings, home-based programs, & childcare partner locations.

Job Summary:

Drake University Head Start is seeking a professional candidate to serve as a preschool classroom Teacher in our Knoxville classroom. the classroom is located in Newton. This position leads daily activities in the classroom through developing, implementing, and evaluating early childhood curriculum and practice. The ideal candidate will be skilled in delivering lessons focused on social-emotional skills and kindergarten readiness. Each of our Head Start Teachers partners with a teacher associate to fulfill educational, nutritional, and hygienic needs of children while they are in the classroom.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A. in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.

• One year of experience in a preschool environment.

• Ability to pass all state childcare licensing requirements.

• Ability to be insured by University's insurance carrier.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Early Childhood endorsement

• Current teaching license with special education endorsement.

• Head Start/Early Head Start experience.

• Current driver's license

Job Duties:

• 25% - Maintain children's files, check off forms at admission, file them and check annually for licensing. Document and monitor children's progress to evaluate appropriateness of curriculum to meet children's developmental needs. Create and maintain accurate, confidential reports and records within applicable regulations and performance standards - (Essential)
• 25% - Conduct instruction by following lesson plan while adapting plan to meet individual learning styles. Create a developmentally appropriate environment where children are comfortable enough to verbalize feelings, question, explore, experiment and problem solve. Support children's social-emotional development. Promote successful classroom performance for each student - (Essential)
• 15% - Develop and maintain good communication while respecting confidentiality. Establish rapport and trust with parents, staff, volunteers, and visitors to respond to children's environmental needs. Ensure the coordination of health issues of child and family with designated nurse - (Essential)
• 15% - Partner with staff in the development and implementation of the curriculum and maintaining a safe, orderly, and high-quality work environment. Ensure an organized, clean classroom and present interesting ideas and activities to share with children - (Essential)
• 10% - Supervise Food Program in the classroom to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Participate in mealtime activities by assisting with serving food, eating with the children, and cleaning up after meals - (Essential)
• 5% - Conduct initial and ongoing family home visits and socializations (if applicable). Travel for business purposes within service area - (Essential)
• 5% - Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, state and local regulations, rules and requirements compliance. Maintain strict confidentiality of all records and documents. Maintain department records and reports in a secure manner. Continue professional growth by attending classes and workshops, reading new materials, and contributing resources to the program. Represent Drake University and Drake University Head Start in a professional manner. Treat clients, co-workers, staff, parents and community members with respect and civility, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone at all times. React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance, and perform all other duties as assigned. Promote Head Start philosophy and initiatives - (Essential)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For consideration, you must apply online.  Please include a resume and cover letter. 

Review of Applications Begins:

A review of applications will begin immediately.  This position will remain open until filled.

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2025. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits