Early Head Start Teacher
Company: Encompass Community Services
Location: Santa Cruz
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Are you passionate about your early childhood education career
and love working with children, families and community? Join an
exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of
children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of
low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965
through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family
support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes
healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social
services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to
employee’s individualized professional growth and development. JOB
SUMMARY: We currently have two openings for Early Head Start
(EHS)Teacher in North County and South County. Position works
year-round. Reporting to the Site Supervisor, the Teacher oversees
day-to-day operations of the infant/toddler center classroom
services with the goal of quality service delivery to children and
families. Both positions are full-time, non-exempt. One is a
regular, and one is a temporary position. Salary is dependent on
education ($21.73 - $26.98 / hour). Hourly pay differential for
bilingual skills awarded upon qualification. PRIMARY
RESPONSIBILITIES Providing leadership to center team(s) which
assures delivery of quality services within deadlines Providing
leadership to promote individualized, interdisciplinary service
strategies for families Overseeing center operations to ensure
delivery of quality services in compliance with Head Start
performance standards and other regulations, including Community
Care Licensing Implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum
to meet the needs of young children. Ensuring accurate, up-to-date
record keeping/documentation within required deadlines. Planning
and coordination of class activities with staff team, and liaison
with other managers and sites Demonstrate initiative, good judgment
and problem-solving skills; seek assistance when needed; exercise
discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues Referring and
supporting children with special needs Supporting parent
involvement QUALIFICATIONS Have a current national infant and
toddler center-based CDA credential issued by the Council for
Professional Recognition OR Have a comparable certificate or
credential that meets or exceeds the national infant and toddler
center-based CDA credential requirements (California Child
Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher) OR Have a degree in
child development or ECE as well as training or coursework with a
focus on infant/toddler development OR Have a degree in a related
field as well as training or coursework with a focus on
infant/toddler development Have three (3) units in Administration
or Supervision or obtain within one(1) year of hire AND Sixteen
(16) hours of preventive health (course or certification) AND
Twelve (12) Core ECE units OR a current Associate Teacher permit
AND Three (3) units in infant care AND At least six (6) months of
experience in a licensed Infant Care enter or Comparable Group
child care for children under 5 years old Demonstrated ability to
work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program
regulations. Intermediate computer literacy skills Knowledge of
community and County resources. Good command of English; Bilingual,
English/Spanish-speaking abilities ( required ) Proof of
citizenship or right to work in the United States. Criminal Record
Clearance, Physical examination, TB, MMR & Tdap (vaccine) clearance
before hire. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Provide own transportation; Valid Driver’s License, vehicle
insurance and good driving record. Flexible schedule that includes
evenings and weekends About us Encompass Community Services has
been serving Santa Cruz County since 1973, providing a broad
spectrum of social services to over 8,000 children, individuals,
and families annually. As the largest community-based, nonprofit
human services provider in Santa Cruz County, we deliver quality,
culturally competent, cost-effective services through a wide range
of services related to family and social well-being, early
childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more. Position
works in the Child & Family Development Programs (CFDP) service
area. This service area provides early childhood education, social
services, and parent education to 1,000 families with young
children each year via Head Start/Early Head Start and State
Preschool. Offering this support as early as possible promotes
healthy families and encourages parents to nurture their child’s
physical, social and cognitive development. Our total compensation
package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan,
403(b) retirement plan, vacation, holiday (regular position only),
and sick time. The regular position is also eligible for paid
Winter and Spring Break (time off with pay). Encompass Community
Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national
origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are
committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a
climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the
contributions of all clients and employees. Candidates from diverse
backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If we find that your
qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, we will
contact you with further instructions. Thank you for your interest
in Encompass!
Keywords: Encompass Community Services, Union City , Early Head Start Teacher, Education / Teaching , Santa Cruz, California
