Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.
The Preschool Teacher (Lead Teacher) is responsible for leading a Head Start classroom of 3–5 year old children. The position works collaboratively with an assistant teacher, family members and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.
Why Acelero?
Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young children's inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.
Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.
What You’ll Do:
- Implements a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation to promote development in all domains for children of all abilities.
- Addresses challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes of the behavior, implementing preventive measures, teaching the child new social and communication skills, and partnering with families to support the child at home.
- Uses observations of children and anecdotal notes to document children’s progress and individualize curriculum.
- Creates partnerships with families to establish positive interaction patterns in program, school, and home.
- Provides classroom experiences that are developmentally, linguistically, culturally, and age- appropriate for the children served.
- Provides a print rich environment in which children develop literacy, numeracy and social skills using increasingly complex language and problem-solving abilities.
- Implements daily lesson plans in response to children’s needs and interests incorporating observations, anecdotal record keeping, knowledge of early childhood development and the key experiences.
- Integrates Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities.
- Provides children with a consistent classroom routine.
- Provides supervision and ensures the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with Head Start and daycare licensing requirements.
What You’ll Bring:
1. Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or equivalent coursework, or otherwise meets the requirements of the Head Start Act.
2. Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
3. Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
4. Must have a valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation.
How Much: $61,400.00
Why You’ll Love Working with Us:
A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families
A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being
Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs
Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $800 annually
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses
401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 4% company match and immediate vesting
Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support
Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks
If you’re ready to take on a challenge that matters and lead growth in a company where purpose and values drive every decision, apply now to join our team. Together, we’ll help every child reach their fullest potential!
Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?
- Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Supportive working environment
- Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment
- Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.
We envision a world where children become champions of their own making; where nothing stands in the way of their infinite promise.
Acelero Learning was founded in 2001 by a former Head Start teacher and Children Defense Fund staffer, with a clear mission -- to work with local communities to improve the quality of Head Start programs. In 2005, Acelero Learning began to directly administer Early Head Start and Head Start programs through delegate agencies -- locally managed affiliates with their own local boards of directors that received dedicated support from the Acelero Learning Support Center in New York.
Today, Acelero Learning affiliates operate a network of Head Start and other early childhood programs serving nearly 5,000 young children and families across the country. Our affiliates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Camden, Monmouth and Middlesex Counties in New Jersey, Clark County, Nevada, Aiken and Barnwell Counties in South Carolina and Racine and Milwaukee counties in Wisconsin have each improved the delivery of early childhood education in their communities -- increasing enrollment, improving teacher salaries and dramatically expanding the number of hours of programming for children and families.
