Head Teacher

Title of Position:    Head Teacher

            FLSA Status:    Non-Exempt 

Department:        Childcare 

Reports     to:        Director of Children’s Services 

Salary:            $26.22/hr 

Positions reporting to this position:    Assistant Teachers 

Purpose of the Position :

Under the direction of Win’s Director of Children’s Services, the Head Teacher will work with Assistant Teachers to develop an age-appropriate child care program and after-school program for pre-school infant/toddler children. The Head Teacher will be responsible the complete operation of the classroom. The Head Teacher will implement as well as conduct all educational activities and supervise and support the Assistant Teachers in all daily activities. 

Responsibilities: 

• Participate in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula which will encompass the social/emotional, physical and intellectual needs of the children and which reflects the philosophy/goals of the program. 

• Supervise and work closely with Assistant Teachers; providing coaching, training and staff development, as needed.  

• Attend program and agency staff meetings, child treatment reviews, case conferences and supervisory sessions.  

• Assist in the creation and implementation of the summer program reflecting the needs of all age groups.  

• Conduct an age-appropriate developmental assessment within three days of moving into the shelter. 

• Conduct the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) 20 days after a child enters the shelter. 

• Develop knowledge of and monitor each child’s needs and abilities to identify any early childhood impairments, developmental delays and other interventions needed. 

• Make referrals to ensure that each child is receiving the appropriate therapeutic early intervention services.  

• Ensure a safe, healthy, culturally diverse and attractive classroom environment.  

• Communicate regularly with parents about the needs of their children and parental concerns and engage them in classroom activities.  

• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and days that NYC schools are closed. 

• Must be able to escort children on field trips.  

  Conduct parenting workings for the heads of household residing at the shelter to cover such topics as child development; positive reinforcement of behaviors; setting limits; active listening, and problem solving.  

• Provide continuous feedback to the Director of Children’s Services, Program Director, Client Care Coordinators, and Case Managers to ensure that the program meets children’s needs.  

• Actively participate as a member of the shelter’s multi-disciplinary team to ensure that all child care programs and child development plans are effectively coordinated.  

• Prepare and maintain current attendance and individual health records on children’s progress, personnel records, and other record keeping, as required.  

• Establish advocacy network with community resources.  

• Prepare all reports as required by the organization and or funders, as needed, in an accurate timely manner.  

• Perform other related duties as needed.  

Essential Functions:   

• Must be able to ascend /descend stairs in the building where client families reside. 

• Must be able to lift children on a regular basis. 

Qualifications:  

• Commitment to Win’s mission, vision, and values. 

• BA/BS in Early Childhood Education or related field.  

• Classroom and supervisory experience required.  

• Sound understanding of developmental theory and practice. 

• Knowledge and skill relating to and planning for infants and pre-school children.  

• Ability to interact in a supportive and nurturing manner with children and parents. 

• Must have knowledge of and sensitivity to needs of homeless families. 

• Ability to organize and plan, both independently and cooperatively with others. 

• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. 

• Must submit to a medical screening to ensure good health by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Bureau of Child Care. 

• Bilingual – English/Spanish a plus. 

Core Competencies:  

• Leading Others: Conducts informative meetings with staff and communicates critical information clearly. Leads by example, doesn’t stay behind the desk, stays visible to staff and clients. 

• Facilitating Change:  Motivates others to achieve outstanding client outcomes.  Develops and meets challenging but achievable goals with the client’s wellbeing in mind. 

• Managing Performance:  Ensures tasks are appropriately delegated and completed in a timely fashion. Holds staff and self-accountable for performance at high standards. 

• Applying and Developing Expertise:  Applies technical knowledge to solve a range of problems.  Understands and upholds all policies and procedures described in Win’s Employee Handbook. 

• Communicating and Collaborating:  Values the full spectrum of diversity and inclusion for clients and staff.  Foster open communication to and from his or her supervisor.   

Win is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.