Lead Early Childhood Teacher

Location: North Campus Early Learning Center, Vista Hourly - Lead Teacher I: $26.58 - $31.59 Hourly - Lead Teacher II: $30.58 - $36.33 Work Period: 46 Weeks MAAC STORY Since 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self‑sufficiency with families and individuals through high‑quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life‑changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellness, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community. DEPARTMENT & PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) are federally funded school‑readiness programs for low‑income and special‑needs children that promote parents as the primary educator of the child. MAAC serves a diverse group of low‑income children and their families in North County; the majority of participating families are of Latino/Hispanic ethnicity. These programs provide children ages 0‑3 (EHS) and 3‑5 (HS) and their families with comprehensive services to promote optimum physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. MAAC’s California State Preschool program provides educational and developmental services to qualifying children ages 3 to 5; parents are encouraged to participate with their children and to be involved in their development. REQUIRED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and implement lesson plans to involve the approved Creative Curriculum and to align with program goals. Utilize classroom materials and routines as resources to provide an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the development levels, interests, and special talents of children. Develop and maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment. Implement rules and practices that provide and foster discipline in children. Provide age‑appropriate activities to promote social, physical, cognitive, creative, and self‑concept development of children. Facilitate a continuing interactive process between families and providers that strengthens family‑identified goals. Implement methods to utilize classroom volunteers, aides, and parent volunteers. Maintain and update written records and reports promptly. Maintain an open and friendly relationship with staff, volunteers, and parents. Conduct required home visits with primary caregivers. Recognize individual child differences in growth, development, and needs and develop individualized plans. Work with Head Start families on identified needs, informing them of community resources, providing referrals, and assisting with scheduling appointments and follow‑up services. Integrate other Head Start components into the curriculum. Provide client transportation as needed. Collaborate on the Individual Family Plan with each family from “Phase‑In” through at least three updates during the school year. Lift, carry, and restrain children weighing 30–50 pounds as needed. Ensure personalized special services for special‑needs children (e.g., feeding, toileting assistance, diapering, cauterization, urine bag management). Mainstream special‑needs children into the classroom environment. Meet with parents of special‑needs children to discuss educational objectives and special‑needs services. Perform related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS Knowledge of early childhood education, child development, and anti‑bias education. Knowledge of local educational and community resources and ability to use them in the classroom. Knowledge of bilingual language acquisition. Knowledge of Head Start policies and procedures (desirable). Ability to: Speak, read, and write in English and Spanish; bilingual proficiency preferred. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / CERTIFICATION Lead Teacher I: Associate’s degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and a minimum of 12 units in ECE/CD, including core units required. One year experience with children in a child‑care setting. Lead Teacher II: Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and a minimum of 12 units in ECE/CD, including core units required. One year experience with children in a child‑care setting. Additional requirements for both levels: Maintain a California Child Development Teacher Level Permit or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or a current credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorizing teaching service in elementary school or a single‑subject credential in home economics. Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred. Valid CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers certifications obtained within first two months of employment and maintained thereafter. VALUE‑BASED BEHAVIORS Listen attentively to others and ask clarifying questions. Work effectively in a team environment and actively participate in joint problem solving. Identify and pursue opportunities for personal and professional development. Arrive to work consistently and punctually, honoring commitments and meeting deadlines. Respect and protect private and confidential matters of co‑workers. Follow rules, regulations, and policies, contributing to implementation of changes. Address issues directly, respectfully, and timely, focusing on resolution without criticism. HEALTH STATUS Must successfully complete a physical examination, TB clearance, drug screening, and provide immunization records for influenza, pertussis, and measles prior to the first day of employment. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, talking, handling objects, reaching with arms, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close and distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and focus adjustment. Mental demands include using written and oral communication skills; reading and interpreting information; analyzing and solving problems; observing and interpreting people and situations; applying basic math; learning new information; working under intensive deadlines; interacting with MAAC management, staff, teachers, parents, families, children, and others encountered in the course of work. BACKGROUND CLEARANCE All positions require background and education checks, DMV checks, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment. California State law requires criminal background checks, signed criminal record statement, and signed acknowledgement to report child abuse before the first day of employment. TRANSPORTATION Must hold a valid California driver’s license, use a personal insured vehicle daily, and maintain a driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. Incumbents will enroll in the California DMV Pull Program. #J-18808-Ljbffr