Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher

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.

Salary: $42,797/year - $77,159/year

The Lead Teacher must have qualifications that satisfy Federal Head Start requirements, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47 regulations, and Department of Education.

Special Circumstance: DOE-Funded 3-K and Pre-K Classrooms

To serve as a Lead Teacher in a NYC Department of Education (DOE)-funded 3-K or Pre-K classroom, the individual must hold at minimum a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Additionally, the teacher must make a formal commitment to obtain the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Initial Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade
2) within three (3) years of hire. Failure to obtain and maintain this certification within the specified timeframe may impact continued eligibility to serve in a DOE-funded teaching position.

Lead Teacher:
Candidates must meet one of the following criteria for DOHMH Study Plan Approval:

• Have completed at least 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Childhood Education,
• Have completed at least 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree in a related field,
• Hold an associate's degree in early childhood education with a practicum noted on the transcript AND enrolled in a program to obtain bachelor's degree in early childhood education OR a Related Field

Study Plan Requirement for Teaching Staff

The NYC Department of Health (DOH) has approved the use of a Study Plan for staff working toward a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. Staff approved under this plan must complete their degree within five (5) years. To remain in compliance, individuals must:

• Maintain continuous enrollment in an approved degree program each semester (Fall, Spring, and if applicable, Summer);
• Provide documentation of enrollment and academic progress at the start and end of each semester.

Failure to meet these requirements may impact employment eligibility.

Lead Teacher I:
Candidates must meet one of the following educational criteria:

• A bachelor's degree in a Related field
• Child Psychology and at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education
• Child Development and at least 12 ECE credits
• Childhood Education and at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education

Lead Teacher II:
Candidates must meet the following educational criteria:

• A bachelor's degree in early childhood education AND hold ONE of the following Initial/ Professional/Transitional B NYSED teaching certifications:
• Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education, Birth – Grade 2
• Students with Disabilities, Birth
  - Grade 2
• Childhood Education
• Childhood Education, Grades 1 – 6
• Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6
  
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• Transitional B Certificate (Teach for America only)

Lead Teacher III:
Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A master's degree in a Related field:
• Child Psychology and at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Child Development and at least 12 ECE credits
• Childhood Education and at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Lead Teacher IV:
Candidates must meet the following criteria

• A master's degree in early childhood education AND hold ONE of the following Initial/ Professional NYSED teaching certifications:
• Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood, Birth
  - Grade 2
• Student with disabilities, Birth–Grade 2
• Childhood Education
• Childhood Education, Grade 1-6
• Students with disabilities, Grade 1-6

NYSED Certification Key

Certificate Type
- Description
- Validity
- Leads To

Initial - A certificate of this type is issued as the entry-level certificate for classroom teachers (issued in specific subject/grade titles) - Five Years
- Professional

Initial Reissuance - A certificate of this type is a reissuance of…