Head Start Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher – Head Start Preschool Program

Position Overview: We are seeking a passionate, dependable, and professional Lead Teacher to join our Head Start preschool program serving children ages 3 and 4 years old. This position is part of a partnership with Capital Area Community Services (CACS) and follows all Head Start program standards, policies, and partnership expectations. The ideal candidate is nurturing, organized, team-oriented, and committed to providing high-quality early childhood education while building strong relationships with children, families, and staff.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field OR
• Minimum of 18 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education

Candidates with degrees in other fields are encouraged to apply if they have completed at least 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education coursework.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and classroom activities using a research-based curriculum.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for preschool-aged children.
• Utilize Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) to assess and monitor children's development through observations, anecdotal note-taking, documentation, and data collection.
• Complete checkpoints and maintain accurate child assessment records to support developmental growth and school readiness goals.
• Use assessment data to individualize instruction and support parent-teacher conferences.
• Conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences per year in accordance with Head Start partnership requirements.
• Maintain ongoing communication with families using Procare communication software, newsletters, conferences, phone calls, and daily interactions.
• Delegate classroom responsibilities effectively and provide leadership within the classroom team.
• Maintain professionalism in all TSG documentation, family communication, and program interactions.
• Follow attendance policies, daily classroom schedules, and all program regulations and expectations.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with administration, support staff, and partnership teams to ensure high-quality programming and compliance standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and positive working relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

Preferred Skills & Qualities:

• Strong classroom management and organizational skills
• Professional communication and leadership abilities
• Experience with Teaching Strategies GOLD preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Passion for early childhood education and family engagement
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth

Benefits: We value and invest in our team members by offering:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Supportive and safety-focused team environment
• TEACH Scholarship partnership opportunities to support continued education and professional goals

Why Join Our Team? Our program is committed to creating a supportive workplace where educators are encouraged to grow professionally, build meaningful relationships, and reach their full potential while making a lasting impact on children and families in our community. Compensation: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour