Head Start Lead Teacher

Early Childhood Education Specialist

Will work to improve children's verbal and non-verbal functioning, self-image, attention span, body awareness through a mastery of gross motor skills and school/parent/teacher/child relationships. Promote social emotional growth and cognition in order to establish kindergarten readiness skills Prepare classroom environment for daily activities, providing a safe environment in accordance with Head Start Curriculum and Performance Standards. Plan student lessons that provide variety and flexibility. Provide activities that will be child-oriented and culturally sensitive. Lessons should include exploration of the child's environment and provide for individual differences that will prepare students to be ready for kindergarten. Create lessons that are developmentally appropriate and focus on social-emotional growth, physical growth, language development, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies and arts. Establish positive approaches to learning Plan scheduling to meet individual child needs. Provide individual testing and assessments as required. Advocate for student needs Follow all Lake Ridge and Geminus protocols as developed in the service area plans. Create a partnership with each family developing a rapport that will enable a team approach to student success. Engage and offer opportunities for parents to volunteer in your classroom. Will have a working knowledge of computer skills. Will model mealtime with children in order to take advantage of the teaching opportunities offered during that time. Will refer children with special needs to the appropriate staff members for follow-up services. Will establish a positive and productive relationship with parents, regularly sharing information on their child's progress. Will collaborate with other staff members and work cooperatively in carrying out major objectives, including combined group activities and Project Based Learning Experiences. Will attend training and self-development opportunities. Will employ self-evaluation techniques to maintain and improve teaching skills. Will set professional growth goals yearly. Will participate in annual revision and rewriting of the Service Area Plans for education. Will attend staff meetings Will fulfill obligations as set forth in the Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Service Area Plans as adopted. Any other duties as requested by Director

At least a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education, previous work with preschool children is desirable. Spanish as first or second language would be helpful. Must be physically active and able to lead children in physical activities that promote good gross motor skills.