Head Start Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

OBJECTIVES: Reporting to the Manager, Programs – Education/Site Supervisor the Head Start Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing classroom activities for preschool children. This role involves working with children from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, and engaging with families to support the children’s overall development. The Head Start Lead Teacher supports Northside’s mission by promoting a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plan, implement, and oversee developmentally appropriate activities that support the social, emotional, physical, and educational needs of individual children and the classroom group.
2. Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with families, servicing as a partner in each child’s growth and development.
3. Communicate regularly with families and participate in conferences, meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions regarding children's progress and program services.
4. Promote family engagement by encouraging parents' role as their child's first teacher and providing strategies to support learning at home.
5. Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and staff information in accordance with agency policies and legal requirements.
6. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, reliability, and respect for the rights, privacy, and diversity of children, families, and colleagues.
7. Attend and actively participate in required training, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
8. Collaborate effectively with team members and perform additional duties as assigned to support program goals and operations.

SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Understanding of early childhood development and age-appropriate practices to support children’s learning, health, and social-emotional growth.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standard, DOE regulations, and mandated reporting requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with children, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills to assist in building and maintaining positive relationships with families.
• Commitment to maintain professional and ethical standards.
• Ability to effectively communicate with community members and groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families both individually and in group settings.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while adapting to changing classroom and program needs.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Excellent work ethic
• Commitment to working in a mission-driven organization
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values
• Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
• Team player who works well with a diverse group of people

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Social Services (with 1-2 years’ experience in an early childhood setting)
• Minimum CDA or completed 60 college credits with 1-2 years’ experience working with children newborn to age 3 in a centered-based option or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD (preferred)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Salary commensurate with experience. Northside offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary Range $45,000 - $60,000.

About Northside

Northside Center for Child Development serves more than 5,500 children and families across New York City each year through high-quality, outcome-driven behavioral health, early childhood education, and enrichment services. With over $34 million in annual funding, Northside provides the comprehensive support children and families need to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.

Founded in 1946 in Harlem, Northside has been a cornerstone of the community for eight decades, leading the way in integrating education and mental health to support children’s development. Several of Northside’s innovative programs were the first of their kind in Harlem, setting standards of care that continue to influence social service agencies throughout the United States today.

Northside’s founders, Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Phipps Clark, were renowned, pioneering psychologists whose groundbreaking research was instrumental in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional. Their belief in the worth, dignity, and potential of every child continues to guide Northside’s mission and inspire its work today. Northside is driven by its vision and principle, “Each Child…First Chance.”

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit