Head Start Teacher​/Center Director

Head Start Teacher / Center Director

Join Our Team of Exceptional Early Childhood Educators!

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Start Teacher / Center Director to lead and support high-quality early childhood education services for children and families. This dual-role position combines classroom instruction with program leadership, ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards while fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

About Oswego County Opportunities

Ranking among Oswego County's top ten largest private employers, OCO carries out its mission to inspire partnerships and provide services that empower people, support communities, and change lives through more than 50 programs serving 15,000 people each year.

OCO's Employee Benefits Include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (available to Full-Time staff)
• Paid leave (sick leave, PTO, holidays, etc.)
• 403B Deferred Annuity Retirement Plan
• Term Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

Responsible for implementing the established curriculum and designing classroom activities which foster early literacy, social, emotional and intellectual skills appropriate to the children's developmental level. Supervises classroom and other staff as assigned. Holds the designation of OCFS Center Director and ensures the requirements of Day Care Licensing. Carries out responsibilities according to Federal and State regulations as well as Agency Policies and Procedures.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Teaching

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops, directs and supervises daily classroom activities; ensures a safe, healthy and supportive environment.
• Maintains the classroom according to the Head Start Performance Standards and Day Care Licensing regulations.
• Provides direct supervision of teaching staff, volunteers and other assigned workers; works collaboratively with supervisor and HS Policy Council on hiring and firing recommendations/activities.
• Conducts new staff orientation and annual center orientation; arranges substitute coverage notifies supervisor.
• Plans appropriate classroom activities for children implementing the High/Scope curriculum and supervisor's recommendations; incorporates ideas of other classroom staff in weekly plans.
• Identifies children's individual developmental needs, interests and abilities through assessment with monthly observations using the High/Scope Curriculum technique; records and reports child outcome data.
• Completes MAT training and administers medication according to policy as needed.
• Conducts home visits and parent/staff conferences per assigned schedule; completes/oversees weekly head checks.
• Attends staff meetings, professional meetings, conferences and training sessions for skill maintenance and enhancement.
• Assists with general center maintenance; (supervises assigned Maintenance Helper, HS buildings only).
• Establishes and maintains relationships with school district personnel and childcare community.
• Conducts required screenings; completes the referral process and coordinates with service providers in implementing the IEP and tracks and monitors special services providers; participates in case review meetings as scheduled.
• Works collaboratively and shares information; participates in decision making with Coordinators and other staff.
• Participates in agency work groups, committees and community events.
• Attends CPSE meetings as required; attends and participates in evening training/orientation sessions as required.
• Completes and submits data/paperwork timely and accurately; handles petty cash and documentation for the center/classroom.

Center Director

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the safe environment of the building, playground and surrounding areas; takes the lead on all building issues, schedules inspections, service vendors and ensures compliance with regulations.
• Works directly with the licensing representative during inspections/renewals; ensures all Day Care Licensing compliance issues are resolved and corrective action is implemented at the center level; carries name/reputation on the license and the OCFS Day Care Center Facility…