Job Title:
Early Head Start Teacher - Infant/Toddler
Company: GOODWILL IND of THE CHESAPEAKE, Inc.
Location: Brooklyn, MD
Created: 2026-04-15
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Early Head Start Teacher Full-Time | Early Childhood Education$18.40-23.00Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is seeking a dedicated Early Head Start Teacher to provide high-quality, developmentally appropriate services to infants and toddlers in a safe, nurturing classroom or home-based setting.This role supports children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development while building strong partnerships with families. Teachers work in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Maryland licensing regulations, and agency policies-ensuring children and families receive comprehensive, family-centered services.What You'll DoClassroom & Child DevelopmentProvide a clean, safe, and engaging learning environment that supports infant and toddler growth and developmentConduct developmental screenings, ongoing observations, and assessmentsDevelop and implement daily and weekly lesson plans consistent with MSDE and Head Start standardsCreate and update Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) in collaboration with familiesSupervise children during classroom activities and outdoor playSupport children's daily routines, including diapering, toileting, handwashing, teeth brushing, and mealsEnter observations and child progress data into Teaching Strategies GOLD or MyHeadStartHealth, Safety & CompliancePerform daily health and safety checks and conduct regular fire drillsDocument incidents, injuries, and hazards according to program requirementsEnsure accurate attendance records, CACFP meal counts, and classroom inventoriesMaintain complete and up-to-date child and family files in compliance with record-keeping standardsFamily Engagement & SupportConduct home visits and parent-teacher conferencesEncourage parent involvement in classroom activities and program eventsProvide families with guidance on child development, safety, nutrition, discipline, and constructive playServe as a liaison to connect families with community resources and agenciesSupport recruitment, enrollment, and community outreach efforts as neededProgram CollaborationParticipate in staff meetings, case reviews, training, and professional development activitiesSupport extended-day services (up to 10-hour days) in accordance with Early Head Start grant requirementsAssist with program operations during extended hours as neededSchedule & Program HoursProgram operates Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Standard workday is 7.5 hours, with flexibility required based on program and enrollment needsExtended hours coverage assigned as operational needs requireWhat We're Looking ForEducation & ExperienceHigh school diploma or GED requiredAssociate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferredAt least one year of supervised classroom experience with children ages birth to threeRequired Certifications45-Hour Infant & Toddler Certificate90-Hour Child Care CertificateInfant-Toddler CDA (within 90 days of hire)Infant/Toddler CPR & First Aid (within 90 days of hire)Universal Precautions CertificatePreferred:9-Hour Communication CertificationValid Maryland driver's license with required insurancePre-Employment RequirementsEarly Head Start CJIS criminal background clearancePhysical exam and TB screening per Early Head Start guidelinesKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesPassion for working with infants, toddlers, and familiesAbility to implement developmentally appropriate activities and classroom plansStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to maintain confidentiality and accurate documentationCulturally responsive, non-judgmental approach to supporting familiesAbility to follow instructions, meet deadlines, and work collaborativelyWillingness to participate in ongoing training and professional developmentPhysical RequirementsMedium physical demandAbility to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift up to 25 lbs.Standing, walking, bending, reaching, and floor-level interaction with children throughout the dayTravel RequirementsUp to 25% travel within Goodwill's service territoryRegular home visits requiredUse of personal vehicle with mileage reimbursementWork EnvironmentModerate noise levelExposure to conditions typical in early childhood and community-based settingsWhy Work for Goodwill?At Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, you'll find:Mission-driven work that supports children and familiesStability through federally funded programmingProfessional development and credential growthComprehensive benefits and support Learn more about our benefits:EOE - Including Disability/Veterans