Preschool Lead Teacher - Head Start Program (School Year AM Class)

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Lead Teacher (Birth to Five)

DEPARTMENT: ECD

REPORTS TO: Center Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Responsible for planning, implementation, and administration of a Head Start classroom, including daily operation, supervision of staff and volunteers, and adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) regulations, the Head Start Performance Standards as well as the Head Start Act (OHS) regulations

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Perform the functions of lead teacher position with a strong understanding of the Head Start performance standards and the component plans; and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate practices: Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children;
• Mentor, train and coach assistant teachers in developmentally appropriate practices following policies and procedures.
• Prepare and conduct bi-monthly and annual evaluations of assistant teacher.
• Train/work with assistant teaching staff on an ongoing basis to raise the scores of the following tools: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) and Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
• Meets with Assistant Teacher /Teacher 2x each month for documented supervision meetings where the following topics will be covered: review of classroom observations, policies and procedures, teamwork, Professional Development Plans (PDPs), CLASS, ECERS, QRIS, Teaching Strategies Gold outcomes
• Supports the PDP for assistant teacher/teacher based on individual educational and professional needs and observations.
• Ensures assistant teacher is compliant with program policies and are working together to hold necessary case conferences and documenting appropriately.
• Provides guidance and direction to assistant teacher through daily contact and team meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Ensures safety is a priority in performing all job responsibilities.
• Exhibits warm, positive and respectful interactions with all of the children in their care.

Classroom Management/Curriculum:

• Provides developmentally appropriate atmosphere
• Maintain a healthy, safe and clean learning environment
• Maintain ongoing interaction/communication with parents in order to best meet needs of child and family
• Use phone contacts, parent conferences and home visits to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations;
• Incorporate CLASS and ECERS guidelines into daily teaching practices
• Completes weekly lesson plan including individualizations based upon outcomes of all children's assessments
• Provide activities meeting all areas of development for the whole child (cognitive, social/emotional, language, fine/gross motor)
• Ensure that all educational activities are sensitive to the cultural needs of the families
• Maintain a print rich environment including labels, pictures, and schedules in several languages
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe;
• Identify and prioritize materials and equipment needed in classrooms and playgrounds, and coordinate with center manager in making purchases order;

Compliance and Record-Keeping:

• Ensure compliance with OHS and DEEC regulations, Emergency Management Plan, as well as compliance with USDA and city and state regulations.
• Ensure that service delivery is performed according the Lynn Economic Opportunity (LEO) mission statement
• Ensures appropriate staff to child ratios and will act as a teacher in other classrooms or programs and act as a bus monitor when needed
• In collaboration with family service worker, conduct at least 2 home visits per year, parent/teacher conferences, maintain up to date records for each child and maintain confidentiality
• Maintain and submit program documentation as required by DEEC and OHS
• Use Cap-60 and assessment computer programs
• Complete all screenings and assessments of children as required by DEEC and OHS

Enhance personal and professional growth:

• Attend all trainings required by Head Start Performance Standards as well as DEEC Regulations
• Attend trainings, conferences and workshops as assigned and approved by immediate supervisor
• Identify other educational opportunities that enhance overall Center/Head Start knowledge
• Assists in prepares food for parent events, Board events and other events sponsored by LEO for its programs.
• Performs other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

Skills / Knowledge Required

• Successful completion of the 90-day orientation.
• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; and
• Have or working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education; and
• Must meet DEEC Lead Teacher qualifications; and
• Knowledge of DEEC and OHS regulations
• Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy, and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, and bilingual education
• Strong time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills, including internet, email, excel and the ability to learn new systems as required.
• Positive work ethic.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to lift up to 50lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.