Early Head Start Teacher

Sieda Head Start is currently accepting applications for a Early Head Start Teacher in Wapello County. This position will begin employment immediately for the 2026-2027 school year.
SUMMARY:
The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining a nurturing and supportive early childhood educational experience for participating children and families. The position oversees the daily implementation of all Head Start/Early Head Start standards and child care regulations within the educational classroom operations.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to be considered for this position.
FORMAL EDUCATION:
Requires current Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and approved waiver from Head Start Regional Office.
Must be enrolled in a program leading to associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or in a related field with coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education.
EXPERIENCE:
Requires 1 year working experience in a Preschool, Child Care setting or other early childhood experience.
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:
Requires moderate level computer knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs, Google docs, and Gmail.
Requires moderate level computer knowledge and experience with Windows based operating system.
Must collect, enter, and update data into ChildPlus.net an existing Head Start management program with minimal training.
Must collect, enter, and update data into Teaching Strategies GOLD an existing online early childhood assessment program with minimal training.
Must perform simple maintenance to keep computers operational.
Wages: $17.94-21.08
Applications for this position will be taken until October 30, 2026. Sieda requires resumes for all positions in the organization. Please be certain your resume is complete, up-to-date, and includes dates of employment for past positions.
For additional information please contact:
Ranae Banicky
Assistant Director- Child Development Unit
641-207-3459
rbanicky@sieda.org
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Full Job Description
SUMMARY:
The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining a nurturing and supportive early childhood educational experience for participating children and families. The position oversees the daily implementation of all Head Start/Early Head Start standards and child care regulations within the educational classroom operations.
DUTIES: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs complex duties requiring advanced skills as follows:
Ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, federal and state regulations to include child care licensing requirements, policies, procedures, and service delivery plans.
Plans and implements lesson plans including developmentally appropriate activities using evidence based curriculums.
Involves community members in classroom activities as often as is appropriate.
Maintains appropriate, accurate and confidential records on each child focusing on development and individual goals using portfolio development, assessments and input from parents and staff.
Provides for the educational and developmental needs of individual children by adapting to services and activities in all Head Start/Early Head Start component areas (nutrition, health, dental, education, development, family services, and mental health).
Assists with grantee efforts in recruitment of children who are eligible for both Early Head Start and Head Start. Transitions children to their next educational facility.
Provides supervision and management of children and adults in classroom and outdoor settings to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment.
Communicates regularly with supervisor, program staff, volunteers, parents, and community partners (including, but not limited to, school district, meal site, consultants, and transportation system representatives) to ensure the highest quality services to children and families.
Conducts a minimum of two home visits and two parent teacher conferences during each program year with parent(s)/guardians to seek insight and/or provide feedback on child’s development. Provides additional home visits if deemed necessary.
Encourages parent participation in classroom activities and planning, parent group meetings, and home based parent/child activities.
Attends and participates in all center functions as scheduled, literacy events, and other educational activities.
Assume other center staff responsibilities as needed to assure continuity of services and adequate staff coverage. (Including, but not limited to, bus monitor, nutrition aide, cook, janitor, etc.).
This position may require travel between classrooms and the counties we serve depending on program staffing needs.
Other duties determined necessary to support the Child Development Team in achieving the goals of the Early Head Start program
INDEPENDENT ACTION:
Receives on-going supervision regarding task guidelines and completion.
DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY:
Limited independent decision-making authority.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING:
Maintain an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential that requires ongoing CEU’s.
Must complete required training hours annually, per Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Center regulations & Head Start Performance Standards.
All staff are considered mandatory reporters of child abuse and required to hold a valid training certificate.
All staff coming in contact with children are required to have up to date training in CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions.
Participates in pre-service, in-service/other training, AEA staffing, staff meetings, and committee work as required.
Seeks out professional development through education, role modeling, mentoring, and by utilizing available resources and training opportunities.
PROGRAM REPRESENTATION:
Requires varying levels of interaction with staff, customers and other agencies in representing the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
PROGRAM DESIGN AND PLANNING:
Involved in the planning of limited areas within the Head Start/Early Head Start

Employment type
Full-Time: 40 hours

Work arrangement
No