Lead Teacher, Head Start

Lead Teacher

Positive and creative leader/team member who provides a nurturing classroom. Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage the whole child. Supports the readiness of children through social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and language activities. Establishes and maintains a safe, healthy learning environment. Encourages the involvement of families and strengthens the relationships between children, families and community. Head Start is based on a public-school calendar.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Be knowledgeable and follow all SMOC Child Care and Head Start philosophy and all regulations and performance standards (EEC, Head Start, NAEYC, and QRIS) applicable to the assigned classroom.
• Runs and facilitates the classroom- prepares and implements a successful learning environment that supports and challenges each child's development.
• Maintains compliance in the classroom and creates a positive environment for the team.
• Participates in opportunities for staff growth and development.
• Communicates regularly with Teacher, Lead Teacher, and/or Supervisor and shares all pertinent information as quickly as possible.
• Observes and records children's behavior for the purpose of assessing skills and planning appropriately to meet individual and group needs. Recognizes areas of concern, assists in appropriate intervention or needed referrals, and participates in conferences.
• Assesses classroom needs for equipment, materials, and supplies and reports to Lead Teacher and/or Supervisor.
• Maintains the space, equipment, materials, and supplies in a safe, healthy, clean, and orderly fashion.
• Assists in providing accurate and timely reports, record keeping, and other documentation required for the assigned classroom.
• Maintains strict adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Attends all required staff meetings, workshops, trainings, committee meetings, and parent functions.
• Mandated Reporter (51A) training is mandatory for all staff.
• Maintain accurate daily attendance records in both Child Plus and required paper attendance forms, including sign-in/sign-out information, absence reasons, and attendance notes. Ensure all records are completed within established timelines and comply with Head Start, EEC, CACFP, and program requirements.
• Responsible for providing positive and supportive relationships by maintaining contact with families by phone calls, conferences, home visits, arrivals & departures, and communicating family volunteer opportunities.
• Actively supervises children at all times.
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs, whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with families and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee, and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency, and/or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• EEC Lead PS Teacher certificate.
• Degree in ECE or related field preferred.
• Must be comfortable working with diverse backgrounds and able to effectively communicate with children, families and co-workers.
• Bilingual skills a plus.
• Priority given to past or present Head Start parents for positions for which they are qualified in the Head Start program.
• Must be or become certified in CPR & First Aid within the time frame required by EEC licensing.

Physical Requirement:

• Must be able to handle the physical aspects of the position including the lifting of a child.
• Proof of physical exam within the last year determining good health and meeting all EEC requirements. Must submit proof of physical exam every 2 years thereafter.

Working Conditions:

As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Lead Teacher will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

Monday through Friday:
Variable Shift, 7:00AM - 6:00PM. Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. 35 Hours per week.