Head Teacher

Head Teacher

Are you ready to give back to the community while pursuing your passion? For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved communities in New York City and beyond. We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, serving over 150,000 individuals every year.

Our programs serve individuals at every age and developmental level, from the very young through our daycare programs to mature adults through our older adults centers. Our extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent.

Under the direction of the Education Director, the Head Teacher develops and implements individual educational plans for children, which help them to develop socially, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. The Teacher works collaboratively with the Teacher Assistant and aid/or volunteers.

Key

Essential Functions:

• Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
• Implement Creative Curriculum in the classroom.
• Plan and implement learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing in all domains.
• Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including daily activities, choice time, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored.
• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and developmental assessment completed through Smart Teach.
• Experience with or knowledge of Smart Teach (formerly Teaching Strategies Gold) for the implementation of children's documentation.
• Eat and assist children in the development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• Conduct two home visits and two/three parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.
• Meet periodically with directors and family assistants to exchange information pertinent to the identification and services of children with disabilities.
• Meet with the mental health consultant as needed to discuss the mental health needs of children.
• Work with assistant and aide to use and develop staff's individual skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
• Participate in all pre-service trainings and workshops throughout the year.
• Use the park as an extension of the classroom and ensure that the park is safe.
• Assist in conducting the daily health and environment check list.
• Assist in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or I.F.S.P. (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed.
• Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g. lesson plans, assessments, attendance, meal counts and progress reports.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Teacher Professional Development Plan.
• Experience working successfully with culturally diverse staff and clients.
• Perform other duties as may be required

Requirements:

• Qualifications for a Study Plan Lead Teacher include:
  An Associate degree in Early Childhood AND enrolled in a baccalaureate program in early childhood OR 90 credits towards a baccalaureate in early childhood AND enrolled in a baccalaureate in early childhood OR a baccalaureate in any field AND be enrolled in a…