Lead Teacher Early Head Start Associates

Position: Lead Teacher Early Head Start (0-3 year-olds)-Associates Required-21.50+

Lead Teacher Early Head Start (0-3 year-olds) – Associates Required – $21.50+/hr

Sunbeam Family Services is seeking a Lead Teacher to provide daily care to children in a Head Start / Early Head Start classroom. The Lead Teacher will use appropriate child guidance techniques and build responsive relationships with children, families, teachers, and staff. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local licensing regulations, and working with a team to achieve positive outcomes for all children.

Pay

Range

$21.50/hr – $22.50/hr

Summary

Eligible for Sunbeam's Teacher Investment Program.

Essential Functions

• Promote leadership for the agency in accordance with the mission.
• Support the physical, social‑emotional, and cognitive development of each child.
• Provide developmentally sensitive, evidence‑based, hope‑centered and trauma‑informed services.
• Serve as a leader of the Early Childhood Services program and role model best practice.
• Understand and apply Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ensure compliance with licensing and Head Start program standards.
• Plan and deliver a comprehensive program, including curriculum implementation.
• Maintain accurate record‑keeping and reporting.
• Order supplies and materials as needed.
• Supervise children to ensure a safe environment.
• Conduct home visits and parent‑teacher conferences.
• Collaborate with staff to encourage parent participation.
• Observe signs of health or developmental issues and report promptly.
• Maintain child‑staff ratios.
• Model language expansion and problem‑solving strategies.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and certification courses.
• Travel locally as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications Experience

Three (3) years’ experience in Early Childhood Education or Head Start/Early Head Start

Abilities

• Caring and compassionate attitude.
• Knowledge of state and local licensing requirements.
• Excellent English language and grammar.
• Intermediate Microsoft application skills; ability to master other software.
• Good organizational and time‑management skills.
• Works independently and collaboratively.
• Exercises independent judgment.
• Professional communication, dignity, respect.
• Handles confidential information discreetly.
• Detail orientation and prioritization.
• Willingness to work with high‑risk, low‑income communities.
• Availability for evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and insurance (local travel).
• Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start, Child Plus, and NAEYC.
• Advanced computer database and Microsoft Office skills.
• Bilingual Spanish (preferred).

Requirements Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Early Childhood Special Education (transcripts required).
• OR Bachelor’s degree or higher in any field with at least 36 college credit hours in ECE/CD/EC SE (transcripts required).
• OR Bachelor’s OR Master’s degree in related field with 12 hours in ECE/CD/EC SE or current CDA® certification and one (1) year teaching experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Teachers leading 4‑year‑old classrooms must have OTC.
• Pre‑Kindergarten teachers should have Pre‑Kindergarten Certification from the Oklahoma State Board of Education at time of employment.

Additional

Job Requirements

• Background check clearance.
• Drug screen.
• TB screen required.
• Physical exam required.
• Bilingual in Spanish desired.

Physical Demands

Employee must frequently communicate with staff and others; interact with small children; feed, change diapers, lift up to 50 pounds; endure standing up to 50% of workday; detect health concerns.

Work Environment

Classroom environment with moderate to loud noise; may be close quarters; exposure to odors, hygiene issues; possible contact with diseases and blood.

Benefits

• Low student‑to‑teacher ratio.
• No out‑of‑pocket cost for school supplies.
• Classroom planning and prep included in schedule.
• Calm, inviting, and fun environment.
• Training and educational best practices.
• Support from Family Partner, Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health, Inclusion Specialist, and more.
• Child Development Associate Scholarship Program covers books, classes, and CDA Credential Exam.

Sunbeam Family Services is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to fair and equal employment practices for persons without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, disability or degree thereof, national origin, domestic/marital status, political affiliation or opinion, veteran status, HIV status, AIDS status, genetic information, and any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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