Lead Teacher

Join to apply for the Lead Teacher role at Children's Aid

Salary: $23.51-$42.40/hr

Each Lead Teacher will ensure that all children reach developmentally appropriate milestones through the implementation of evidence-based curricula, individualized support and high-quality learning environments. Lead Teachers will focus on making sure that all the children and families will be ready to be successful in Kindergarten and in life, while ensuring that all Head Start Performance Standards and site-specific funding regulations are met or exceeded.

• Under the direct supervision of the site’s Education Director, the Lead Teacher’s responsibilities include the following: strategic oversight, curriculum implementation, classroom preparation, small group instruction, individualized instruction, behavioral support, technology integration, record maintenance, screening and assessment, family engagement, data analysis, professional development, and health & safety.

• Strategic Oversight
  • Understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
  • Support the lead teacher in implementing strategies that align with educational goals and organizational standards.
  • Oversee additional teachers and volunteers in the classroom.

• Curriculum Implementation
  • Promote high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that leads to children’s school readiness
  • Provide responsive care to all children through individualized planning, instruction, and supervision
  • Plan and establish an environment in which children develop trusting and accepting relationships with adults and peers that foster growth and development
  • Design and execute a developmentally appropriate and integrated curriculum which provides opportunities for children’s meaningful exploration

• Classroom Preparation
  • Prepare and organize materials and resources needed for daily lessons, activities, and projects
  • Set up and maintain an inviting and conducive learning environment, including the arrangement of learning centers and displays

• Small Group Instruction
  • Conduct small group activities under the guidance of the Education Director to reinforce lesson concepts and provide additional support to students as needed
  • Monitor and assess student progress during small group sessions, providing feedback to the lead teacher

• Individualized Instruction
  • Work one-on-one with students who may require extra assistance, ensuring they receive personalized attention to meet their specific learning needs
  • Collaborate with the lead teacher to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and accommodate students with diverse abilities

• Behavioral Support
  • Support the team in maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom environment by reinforcing classroom rules and expectations
  • Address behavioral challenges by employing positive reinforcement strategies and seeking guidance from the team or school administration

• Technology Integration
  • Support the integration of technology tools into the curriculum, helping students with educational software and assisting in managing technology resources within the classroom

• Record Maintenance, Screening and Assessment
  • Responsible for maintaining accurate educational records and portfolios on each child, implementing child observations, screening and assessments
  • Ensuring children receive a developmental and behavioral screen within the first 45 days of school and assessment at three different points over the course of the year (November, February and May)
  • Observe and document students’ development to request additional support from Education Director through an internal referral process

• Family Engagement
  • Encourage parent involvement and communication through a variety of methods (e.g., newsletters, bulletin boards, classroom events, center-wide activities, and “open-door” policy)
  • Facilitate meetings with families when there are outstanding developmental or behavioral needs with children
  • Participate in home visits, Parent/Teacher conferences, Open Houses, and/or Family Days, depending on the center and funding requirements
  • Share highlights of families, kids, staff,…