Non-Certified Lead Teacher (Early Head Start)

At Educare of Omaha, Inc., we invest in our staff just as much as we invest in our children. Reimagine your role. Rediscover your passion. Join the Fun . Make a Difference .

⭐ WHO WE ARE

Educare of Omaha, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has a collaborative partnership between Early Head Start/Head Start, Omaha Public Schools and the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. Comprised of the two Educare Omaha Schools (Kellom and Indian Hill) and three Early Learning Centers (Skinner, Gateway and Kennedy), the mission of Educare of Omaha, Inc. is to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children ages 0 to 5 through the provision of evidence-based education, health, nutritional, social, family engagement and other services to enrolled children and their families.

⭐ POSITION DETAILS

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, implementation and coordination of a comprehensive education program. The Lead Teacher ensures the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets children’s individual needs as well as program standards of Educare of Omaha Inc., Head Start/Early Head Start, Sixpence, and the Nebraska state licensing guidelines.

LOCATION

Assigned to one Educare school (Kellom, Indian Hill, Skinner, Gateway, or Kennedy)

SCHEDULE

Full Time (40 hours per week, Monday-Friday); 12 Months. There is a variation of schedules available with the hours falling between 7:00am-5:30pm.

⭐DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Child Development

• Observe, assess and document each child’s skills, behavior, growth and development in appropriate database systems.
• Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• Develop an individualized lesson plan for each child.
• Coordinate referrals for children with special needs or mental health needs with the School Director/Mentor Teacher Supervisor.
• Contribute to and participate in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), and/or Individualized Education Plans/Individualized Family Service Plans.
• Assist the child and family as child transitions from the infant and toddler program to the preschool program and from the preschool program to kindergarten.
• Foster positive relationships with all children in the classroom.

Classroom Management

• Ensure that all children are always under appropriate supervision and guidance.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy classroom environment.
• Utilize Positive Behavior Supports and Touchpoints strategies.
• Participate in reflective supervision.

Curriculum

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will enhance (1) language and literacy development, (2) cognition and general knowledge, (3) approaches toward learning, (4) physical well-being and motor development, and (5) social and emotional development of each child.
• Participate in interpreting and analyzing assessment results and utilize data to plan individual and classroom experiences as well as intentionally share information with families.
• Develop and submit timely lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes for children and implement them intentionally supported by an attractive and stimulating learning environment which encourages child’s independence and self-selection of activities.
• Intentionally integrate other areas, i.e., health/physical activity, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, transition, safety and parent involvement, into the education plan.
• Create documentation panels on a regular basis to make the learning that the children are experiencing visible to parents and visitors.

Parent Engagement

• Schedule and meet with parents regularly about their child’s progress, including at least two Parent/Staff Conferences per year.
• Schedule a minimum of two home visits per year with each child’s family to clarify child and family needs.
• Encourage parent participation in program activities and in implementing education activities for their children at home and in the community.
• Communicate with parents (informal conversations, newsletters, personal notes) regarding his/her child’s involvement in classroom activities and progress towards learning goals.

Supervision / Administration

• Participate in ongoing professional development (including peer learning activities).
• Collaboratively implement and participate in a coaching process with the identified coach to promote high quality instruction.
• Support the implementation of new strategies gained through training.
• Provide leadership for the classroom team (e.g., plan for and lead team planning sessions, monitor teammates’ observation notes and appropriate goal identification, advocate for and support Best Practices in the classroom).
• Supervise student teachers, practicum students, interns, and volunteers as needed.
• Serve as a mentor/model to Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide.
• Delegate responsibilities to the Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide.
• Maintain confidentiality in regard to each child and family.
• Ensure the completion of daily attendance and USDA food counts.
• Ensure the timely completion of necessary paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, newsletters, incident reports, etc.
• Participate in the interviewing process of Associate Teachers and Teacher Aides as requested.

⭐ EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in education preferred or in a related area required .
  1. Related areas can include, but are not limited to, child development, early childhood curriculum, early childhood assessment, psychology, family development, social work and children’s literature.
  2. A CDA (Child Development Associate) Certification will be required to be attained within 12 months of hire if the bachelor’s degree is not in Early Childhood Education.
• Two years early childhood experience in a group setting preferred.
• Must be able to pass a background check that meets compliance standards.

⭐ WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

✔️ Generous Paid Time Off:

• • Up to 96 hours vacation and 96 hours sick time in your first year
  • 10 paid holidays, including your birthday
  • 2-week paid Winter Break
  • 1-week paid Spring Break
  • Paid inclement weather days

✔️ Competitive Pay & Benefits:

• • Starting at $24.74+ per hour (based on experience and tenure)
  • Medical premiums starting at $40.32 per paycheck
  • No copays for mental health therapy
  • Dental, vision, FSA, life insurance, short-term disability, and more
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match

✔️ Thrive in Your Career:

• • Ongoing coaching and professional development
  • Obtain your Child Development Associate (CDA) certification at no cost
  • Tuition assistance available
  • No contracts
  • Smaller class sizes (8–17 students)
  • Additional teacher support in every classroom

Educare of Omaha, Inc. is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all hiring and employment practices. We are committed to equal treatment for all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, disability, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer