Head Start Lead Teacher

Department: Head Start Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Center Manager Schedule: Full-time Position Purpose Lead Teachers are responsible for providing a successful, safe, and supervised educational setting for children enrolled in SRCAA Head Start/Early Head Start programs. The Lead Teacher actively promotes school readiness and sets appropriate goals that address the five essential domains (social-emotional, cognitive, language/literacy, perceptual motor and physical development, and approaches to learning). This position also develops individual learning goals and provides ongoing assessment of the developmental process to facilitate the transition into kindergarten. This position requires a culture of safety and positive reinforcement with continuity of care which includes active supervision strategies and encourages parent family community engagement in all aspects of the program. Duties and Responsibilities Provide supervision, guidance and support to teacher, related to classroom responsibilities. Develops and implements a developmentally appropriate, multi-cultural curriculum for children. Works cooperatively with support staff (Center Manager) in the provision of direct services and the development of goals for children with disabilities. Performs duties in accordance with CLASS and School Readiness goals and requirements. Participates in team planning of curriculum with teacher, using and encouraging appropriate input from parents. Implements federal, state, and local health and safety policies and procedures; NC Day Care regulations. Ensure the learning environment supports the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. Responsible for planning and implementing plans for individual children, small and large groups, with input from Teacher. Provide and maintain active supervision to children at all times by providing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning indoor and outdoor environment and while on field trips. Develop and utilize integrated curriculum plans, which reflect mandated elements and components, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of the children enrolled. Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small/large group experiences, choice time, music/movement, large/small motor activities, skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities. Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, socialization, and ask open-ended questions, provide quality feedback and listen respectfully. Directs classroom activities and maintains appropriate discipline by redirecting and modeling. Encourages all children to participate fully in activities at all levels of interest and ability. Supports the development of relationships between children and their families. Prepare classroom materials to support developmentally appropriate curriculum plans; create and change learning centers as needed. Oversees maintenance, upkeep, inventory of classroom supplies, materials and equipment. Responsible for conducting two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences annually for each child enrolled. Assumes the responsibilities of teachers and/or other Lead Teacher in their absence, as assigned. Responsible for utilizing volunteers, substitutes, or other staff members in the absence of bus monitor, nutrition assistant or custodian. Willingness and ability to assist and support center operations as deemed necessary by program management. Ensures Active Supervision at all times indoor learning environment, outdoor learning environment, during transitions, and on field trips, while on bus, etc. Perform additional duties as assigned by immediate supervisor. Daily Responsibilities Maintaining daily attendance record of children Conducting morning health check Completing anecdotal notes Performing playground checks Complete Daily Classroom Checklist Providing a stimulating learning environment with age‑appropriate activities and materials based on best practices. Weekly Responsibilities Meeting with Teacher to complete lesson plans Attending center meetings and in‑service trainings Create activities to encourage parent involvement Ensure In‑Kind documentation is accurate and submitted to Family Development Specialist Monthly Responsibilities Completing Statistical reports Contributing to and compiling center newsletter Completing Work Sampling Portfolio Quarterly Responsibilities Completing the Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment online Completing child outcomes Parent and Community Engagement Conducts home visits and parent/teacher conferences as required by Head Start performance standards; Supervises and trains parents, staff, and volunteers; Participates in workshops, meetings, community events, etc. (e.g. partner meetings, conferences, etc.) to intentionally receive and/or present information. Serves as an advocate for children, families, and communities. Responsible for attending parent functions as deemed necessary and encouraging parent involvement Compliance and Reporting Responsible for maintaining compliance by adhering to Agency Policy and Procedures, Administration for Children and Families, Performance Standards, North Carolina Day Care rules and regulations. Completes and maintains all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with Head Start performance standards. Establish and monitor services that ensure program quality and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. Responsible for reporting Child Abuse, Neglect, and Maltreatment (*whether witnessed or made aware of) to immediate supervisor (Center Manager) and/or Head Start/EHS Director immediately. Responsible for maintaining training hours as directed by the Division of Child Development and Day Care Licensing requirements through Agency pre‑service and in‑service, workshops, conferences, etc. (as applicable to position). Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality, seamless customer service. Environmental Health and Safety Responsible for the operation and maintenance of a safe, clean, healthy and productive work environment. Responsible for adhering to NC Sanitation regulation (i.e. floors cleaned, trash cans covered, bathrooms cleaned, water temperature maintained, rugs vacuumed, toys and equipment sanitized). Responsible for ensuring that staff/child ratio is maintained, and that active supervision takes place in the indoor and outdoor learning environment and on field trips. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate procedure for mixing sanitation solution (*If applicable). Responsible for ensuring playground safety checks are conducted daily. Demonstrate knowledge of center safety requirements (tornado, fire drills, fire extinguisher inspection, and fire inspections). Responsible for securing and maintaining an emergency preparedness plan. Responsible to ensure the following star rated license, current sanitation certification and fire drill record are posted in a common area in the center. Professional and Ethical Standard Assist in maintaining staff/child ratio consistently. Responsible for reporting potential abuse, neglect, and/or maltreatment according to the Head Start/Early Start Policies and Procedures. Responsible for adhering to professional development plan including renewal of annual credentials (*which are required for continued employment in this position). Must be able to periodically attend out of town conferences and training sessions. ERSEA Support enrollment and attendance to assure full program capacity (enrollment). Support recruitment plans to assure full enrollment in program. Qualifications Minimum: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, birth to 5 years (or related field), computer literate, 2 years' experience teaching pre‑school aged children, training in communication with infants, parents and staff, training in safety issues, good oral, written, and organizational skills. Preferred: BS Degree in Early Childhood Education, birth to 5 years (or related field), Birth‑Kindergarten Licensure, 1 year of management/supervisory experience and the above minimum qualifications. * Transcripts required to validate degrees/classes; may require confirmation of up to 16 credit hours of coursework relating to Early Childhood Education. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Principles of early childhood development and the learning process. Basic computer skills and experience with computer applications, (includes; Microsoft Office; Word, Excel and Power Point). Knowledge and skill in the use of Child Plus is required within 12 months of hire. Must obtain a First Aid and Infant/Child CPR card within 90 days of hiring and keep current. Occasionally lift as much as 50lbs in classroom setting and in assisting children into their seats on the bus. Frequent kneeling, bending at waist and neck, and sitting on floor; frequent getting up and down from seat to assist children. Competence in planning, organizing, scheduling, recordkeeping, and staff and parent communications. Ability to relate effectively with children, families, community members, and staff of diverse backgrounds. Interest and ability to advocate with and on behalf of low‑income, diverse families. Work cooperatively with parents and staff. Comprehend and make inferences from written materials. Communicate by telephone or in person in a one‑to‑one or group setting. Produce documents written in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar. Must have access to a personal vehicle with insurance coverage (unless the agency provides a vehicle) and have a valid North Carolina State driver's license. SRCAA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affafirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr