Classroom Lead Teacher - Head Start Program

Classroom Lead Teacher - Head Start Program

Position Type:

Early Childhood

Date Posted:

1/8/2026

Location:

Stepanski Early Childhood Center

District:

 Waterford School District  Additional Information:
Show/Hide

Position:

Classroom Lead Teacher - Head Start Program

Location:

Stepanski Early Childhood Center

Job Goal:

To provide a nurturing, safe environment that provides a developmentally appropriate learning experience for preschoolers.

To facilitate knowledge and/or skills in the following areas (according to the State of Michigan Department of Education Early Childhood Standards and High Scope Key Developmental Indicators):

* Approaches to learning

* Social and Emotional Development

* Physical Developmental Health

* Language, Literacy, and Communication

* Mathematics

* Creative Arts

* Science and Technology

* Social Studies

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Development

* Certification in CPR and First Aid or the ability to receive certification

* Trained in High Scope Preschool Curriculum and High Scope COR Assessment

* Preschool aged child classroom experience

* Possess excellent organizational skills

* Ability to lead a classroom of preschool aged children

* Ability to work with a co-teacher

* Ability to interact positively with school/community and to work with limited supervision.

* Ability to interact appropriately with children

* Ability to follow all child care center licensing requirements as defined by the State of Michigan

* Communicates effectively in written and verbal form

* Be capable of bending, lifting, and overhead work as well as physically able to stand two (2) or more hours at a time.

* Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board or school principal may find appropriate and acceptable.

Essential Functions:

* Actively leads and/or participates in all parts of the school day.

* Observes children throughout the day, records observations (anecdotal notes) and enters them into the High Scope COR Advantage online program weekly.

* Demonstrates knowledge of current best practices in early childhood education.

* Prepares daily lesson plans according to the High Scope curriculum and keeps them organized as directed by the school principal.

* Prepares and submits a professional newsletter weekly to families that includes curriculum content.

* Ensures that all State of Michigan Child Care licensing procedures are followed to safeguard health and safety of children, including but not limited to child supervision, hand washing, appropriate sanitary measures, playground safety rules, and rules regarding the use of supplies and equipment.

* Maintains current written plans and diagrams for use in case of fire, tornado, or other emergencies. Manages fire and tornado drills according to licensing requirements.

* Plans for and conducts two (face-to-face) parent teacher conferences and two home visits per school year.

* Attends staff meetings and professional development training.

* Informs the school principal of any safety or behavioral issues

* Greets parents and develops a positive rapport with them

* Maintains current, orderly files of required records according to licensing specifications for information and location of record keeping.

* Consults with the school principal to discuss issues and to establish appropriate strategies for dealing with child behavior.

* Builds a positive working relationship with all school staff.

* Remains knowledgeable about information, forms, and emergency procedures as directed by the State of Michigan

* Represents Waterford Public Schools as a positive ambassador.

* Implements the Head Start Program as defined by the Federal Government.

* Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Preschool Programs.

Reports To:

School Principal

Workday/Week:

Monday - Friday

* Currently, Fridays and all other non-student work hours shall be reserved for staff meetings, professional development, lesson planning, assessment recording and other duties as assigned by the Building Principal; 30-minute duty-free lunch break.

Starting Date:

ASAP

Compensation:

$26.01 - $29.85 per hour

* Based on experience

2025 - 2026 School Year = 186 days of work

Posting Date:

January 8, 2026

Posting Deadline:

Until filled

Internal and external candidates may apply by visiting (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and selecting the icon "Employment" and next, "Job Postings Directory". Include letter of intent, resume, and letter(s) of reference with the application. Employment is contingent upon receiving all required documentation (e.g., criminal background investigation and fingerprint records.)

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.