Lead Teacher

Make a difference in a Child's Life and Join Our Team Today! Douglass Community Services, Inc. is currently hiring for a variety of positions to work in a rewarding Early Childhood Classroom Environment. We are looking to grow our programs with enthusiastic people who are passionate about using innovative approaches to empower others for lifelong success. Lead Teacher – Head Start, Louisiana, MO 40 hours/38 weeks annually Level 25 - Early Childhood Education Associate Degree $19.49 per hour Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree $21.44 per hour

REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, or a degree in a related field with relevant experience & coursework or credentialing per the Head Start Act. Must successfully pass the Reliability Certification within three months of hire. One to three years of experience working with young children is highly preferred. The ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal), write developmentally appropriate lesson plans, enjoy interacting with young children, and maintain confidentiality are required to successfully fulfill this position’s responsibilities. This position requires the skills to complete word processing and data entry on a computer. Must have valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle to attend trainings and socialization appointments. Complete training, maintain certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, the ability to take initiative, make independent judgments, and promote teamwork is required.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the safety of children and ensuring measurable growth in physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. Develops and maintains positive relationships with each child’s parent/guardian. Works in cooperation with other adults assigned to the classroom, fostering their growth through delegation of workload and offering feedback that improves their skills. Coordinates the daily educational activities of the classroom, consistent with DCS written policies and procedures, Missouri State licensing and Head Start Performance Standards. Responsible for total classroom management.

WHAT WE OFFER

Comprehensive benefit plans including health, dental, vision, a flexible spending account; plus, FREE life insurance; 401k retirement plan with annual employer contribution; a work/life balance that includes generous amounts of paid time off, 14 paid holidays, and a long paid winter/holiday break; tuition assistance and professional development with lots of opportunities for advancement; a health & wellness culture; business casual work environment, drug‑free workplace, and much more!

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages staff/volunteers in his/her classroom by ensuring appropriate classroom strategies, outcomes development and documentation, lesson planning and developmentally appropriate classroom activities. Establishes and maintains a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment. Through interaction and example, supports and promotes educational & social‑emotional growth that meets child outcome goals, and recognizes the individual strengths of each child. Travels to 2 home visits with each case load family per year. Ensures nutrition and self‑care practices are incorporated into classroom routines for children to develop healthy habits. Builds positive relationships with families that encourages engagement in their child’s learning. Maintains on‑going communications with staff, supervisors, parents, and providers. Maintains confidentiality in all matters relating to children, families, and staff pursuant to the program’s confidentiality standards. Embodies the Mission of the program by participating in ongoing professional development: trainings, conferences, courses, workshops, etc. Hot‑line suspected cases of child abuse/neglect, following written procedures as a mandated.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk, sit, see, talk and hear, and use hands to manipulate. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb steps, stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch. The employee is required to supervise students requiring the employee to match walking speed that matches the student and may at times require the ability to run to safeguard students. The employee must occasionally lift (up to 40 pounds), carry, and move students. Employee must occasionally move equipment and/or supplies. The job is performed for the most part in a school setting with occasional outside weather conditions. The noise level is that of a typical school setting. The above description is not a comprehensive listing of all job specific responsibilities, tasks, and duties. EOE #J-18808-Ljbffr DOUGLASS COMMUNITY SERVICES INC