Lead Teacher- Trenton Head Start

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Lead Teacher
- Trenton Head Start

This is a non-exempt professional teaching and supervisory position responsible for child development and school readiness, center management, social services, and family engagement activities, as well as supervision of center staff (teacher assistant, cook, special service aide, volunteer, etc.). The Center Teacher is directly responsible to the Education Specialist.

• Plan, execute, direct, and evaluate developmental experiences of the children.
• Manage operation of the center within authority delegated by the Program Director.
• Orient, train, and supervise all center staff members and classroom or center volunteer workers.
• Maintain or supervise the maintenance of records which pertain to the center or to the program and which are located in the center.
• Manage project property located in the center.
• Engage in learning and developmental experiences with parents, and otherwise participate with parents in center and program-related activities.
• Publicize and explain the Head Start Program to citizens, organizations, and agencies in the county in which the center is located.
• Identify and refer children who may need individualized professional consideration beyond that available at the center with respect to some aspects of their growth and development.
• Make visits at the home of each child to increase their understanding of each child's family and home environment, and to increase parental understanding of, and engagement in, the child's developmental experiences and the Head Start Program (minimally 2 visits per family per year).
• Provide opportunities for parent participation in Family Day activities, Policy Council, parent-developed activities, etc.
• Present philosophy and nature of the Head Start Program to Head Start families and to citizens, agencies, and organizations in the community.
• Provide comprehensive services to limited English proficient children and their families (including services to promote acquisition of the English language).
• Assist in the recruitment and selection of program participants.
• Assist the Family Engagement Specialist to obtain goods and services that families need to improve their family’s life or standard of living.
• Establish and maintain strong, positive relationships between Head Start families and the Head Start center staff and program.
• May assist families and the Head Start Health Specialist in ensuring that Head Start children receive proper medical and dental care.
• Engage in pre-service and in-service training as directed by the Education Specialist, Professional Development Specialist, or Program Director.
• Be able to lift 40-50 pounds.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Education Specialist or the Program Director.

Must be able to work Tuesday‑Friday, 7a-4p or 7:30a-4:30p.

• Associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree in early childhood education or an associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework related to ECE with experience teaching preschool children.
• Required to obtain/maintain a CDA (Child Development Associate) or the equivalent as determined by the Director.
• Required to maintain current health requirements of an annual TB test and physical exam.
• Ability to be sensitive and responsive to diversity.
• Ability to work independently and in partnership with team members.
• Ability to set limits and boundaries that maintain the helping role of a practitioner and assist others with setting healthy boundaries.
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth, co-workers, volunteers, and supervisor.
• Seek to improve knowledge, skills, and abilities in related service areas.
• Must have necessary skills to: communicate with children and families using kindness and respect; practice positive behavior support techniques effectively.
• Must have necessary skills to: manage time appropriately; work as a team with adults; utilize curriculum to fidelity; manage assessments and electronic recordkeeping.
• Must have strong skills in the following: verbal/written communication, computer applications, time management, organization, recordkeeping, and teamwork.
• Must be willing to continue formal education, as necessary.
• Must be able to successfully pass criminal background screening.