Head Start Teacher

The Lead Teacher leads the classroom team in assessing and responding to the individual needs of children in each of two sessions. This person oversees satellite center operations and provides daily support and assistance to classroom staff and volunteers.

*Essential Duties:*

* Supervises the classroom team. Completes performance reviews as specified by the Personnel Policies and works with staff to develop Individual Training Plans. Works with Supervisor to provide staff training, development, coaching, and mentoring, as needed to the Assistant Teacher, Classroom Aide, interns, and volunteers.
* Coordinates the scheduling of classroom activities, field trips, site observations, site committee meetings, and other relevant activities with the Center Director.
* Models positive child-development practices.
* Works with children with special needs in an inclusive setting.
* Maintains control of the classroom group situation.
* Develops clear, reasonable, consistent, and age-appropriate rules and expectations for children.
* Assists children to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.
* Respects and acknowledges children's feelings by communicating with children in a positive manner, and providing a supportive social and emotional climate, using conscious discipline techniques.
* Provides an environment of acceptance and enhances children's understanding of themselves as individuals.
* Uses guidance and redirection to help children deal with anger and challenging behaviors.
* Works with parents to strengthen the family's knowledge of child development which includes instruction about how children grow and learn, and information to meet their child's intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs.
* Prepares children and families for a successful transition to their next learning environment by incorporating transition activities into weekly planning.
* Ensures that ongoing communication exists between home and the Center.
* Uses feedback from CLASS observations to improve classroom environment. Develops an action plan when needed.
* Makes at least two home visits and facilitates two parent conferences per year. Supervises the classroom team in efforts to involve parents in the education of their child.
* Works with co-workers to encourage parent involvement through the planning of one-time projects and ongoing programs that particularly respond to the issues of the Center.
* Problem-solves solutions to situations that arise.
* Actively seeks information in early childhood education and integrates into planning efforts.
* Participates in Agency events and community affairs as requested.
* Communicates information and needs of the Center staff and families and represents their interests.
* Works within a team to plan and administer a comprehensive program of services for children and families.
* Observes, records, and assesses individual child behavior. Develops an individual education plan for assigned children and carries-out appropriate programming.
* Complies with CACFP and NYS Office of Children and Family Services regulations and required documentation.
* Leads classroom staff in planning and implementing activities which address curriculum goals.
* Refers children for special services as indicated and attends Committee on Preschool Special Education meetings as required. Supports families through the diagnostic and referral process.
* Maintains a balance between teacher-directed and child-initiated activities in the classroom setting.
* Responsible for the health and safety of children. Ensures that all accident reports are filed in a timely manner.
* Prepares for and participates in case conferencing and team meetings.
* Uses the Creative Curriculum to create and maintain a classroom environment that meets the developmental needs of children and encourages their independence.
* Responsible for the care and inventory of center equipment. Requisitions new equipment and supplies through immediate supervisor.
* Assumes all record keeping tasks as prescribed by the Performance Standards. Reviews information from the classroom team to ensure accurate, confidential, and prompt documentation of children's behavior.
* Responsible for recording and submitting children's attendance records and CACFP records for the center in a timely manner.
* Conducts the prescribed number of fire alarms and documents information.
* Prepares accurate and prompt documentation of site activities including newsletters, written reports and surveys.
* Participates in workshops, in-service training, and regular staff meetings. Shares information.
* Maintains a professional and positive attitude and promotes positive staff morale.
* Uses the Health Education Design to integrate health and nutrition activities into the daily program.
* Nurtures children’s social/emotional development by integrating the importance of feelings into the education curriculum and teaching strategies from the _Second Step_ curriculum.
* Attends Family Literacy nights
* Operates office equipment as needed.
* In accordance with Family Enrichment Network's "team" philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carryout or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Flexible spending account
* Health insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Vision insurance

Education:
* Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person