Lead Teacher

Location: Hillsdale

Education Level4 Year Degree## Description Plan and implement a preschool classroom in compliance with Head Start, GSRP and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) licensing requirements. Follow all agency policies and procedures with minimal direct supervision. Work closely with program staff and community partners to fulfill the objectives of Head Start/GSRP and Community Action Agency. Direct classroom operations including leading a teacher assistant and childcare aide to facilitate daily classroom activities for preschool children.
1.
Establish a developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive classroom environment, which fosters the child’s development according to Creative Curriculum NAEYC, HS/GSRP, and CLASS requirements.  2.
Work as a team in sharing responsibility for cleaning and organizing the classroom.  3.
Work as a team developing a lesson plan that individualizes for children while maintaining a balance of child-initiated and adult-initiated activities, understanding the lead teacher is responsible for accurate implementation.  4.
Work as a team in assessing children using the assessment system, understanding the lead teacher is responsible for accurate data implementation and ongoing documentation.  5.
Develop a positive and respectful relationship with children considering developmental levels.  Able to individualize using data from observations and assessments.  6.
Direct and facilitate classroom staff and volunteers in a way that promotes their personal growth and development.  7.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability during workday and throughout the year due to staff changes and program requirements.
8.
Participates in team meetings, case conferences, education plans, and IEP meetings.  9.
Understand the confidential nature of the work involved and treat information gained accordingly.  10.
Assist team members with completion of all required Agency paperwork in a timely and accurate manner per program procedures.  11.
Work cooperatively with team members to promote parent participation in all program areas. Work as a team in planning, organizing, and implementing family engagement activities with a possibility of evening functions.  12.
Able to understand and deal with high-risk children who may have trauma histories, behavioral health concerns, or disability service needs.
13.
Always supervise children, using a calm voice and in a patient and approachable manner; maintain and communicate accurate count throughout the day with team member.  14.
Represent the Agency in a professional and positive manner in all settings including social media.  15.
Work as a team in aiding children in toileting and changing of clothing.  16.
Sit with children during mealtimes and model good nutritional habits including family style serving, manners and conversation.## Qualifications
1.

Education:

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required. Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education preferred.  1.

Work Experience:

Two (2) years’ experience working with children in a preschool classroom setting preferred. Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities for the position may be considered at the discretion of the CEO.  2.
Training:
Creative Curriculum and TS Gold experience preferred.  3.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid age-appropriate Michigan teaching certificate, preferred.  4.
Transportation:  Must have reliable transportation throughout the workday  5.

Basic Skills:

Must be competent in reading, mathematical, verbal, and written communication skills.  Must be computer literate and able to demonstrate computer skills.  Knowledge of community resources, organizational and time management skills; ability to work cooperatively in a team approach.  6.
Problem solving, Decision Making and Interpersonal

Skills:

Independent judgement to complete routine tasks.  Establish and maintain positive relationships with people of all economic levels, cultures, and capabilities.  Ability to mediate and diffuse difficult situations.  7.
Physical and Mental Capabilities:  Ability to go into classrooms and home situations and operate in a non-handicap accessible environment in all types of weather.  Must be able to participate in classroom activities, which includes bending, stooping, squatting, walking, lifting (50 pounds, or more at times), walking at a brisk pace, ability to run when necessary, and ability to work in an environment with elevated noise level.
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