Head Start Teacher

Lead Teacher - Head StartQUALIFICATIONS:The Lead Teacher must hold (or be enrolled) in a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in the field of child development, early childhood education, birth to kindergarten or a bachelor's degree with coursework equal to the same with experience teaching preschool age children. Teachers are also required to keep CPR/First Aid current, be trained in Playground Safety, the curriculum, NC Foundations, and the NC early learning standards for preschoolers.PERFORMANCE:The Lead Teacher serves as the primary provider of the preschool instructional program. In this role, the lead teacher's performance is crucial in several different functional areas including professionalism, administration/management, instruction/implementation, assessment/evaluation, coordination, and safety/supervision.SUPERVISION RECEIVED:The Lead Teacher reports to the Site Administrator.SUPERVISION EXERCISED:The Lead Teacher monitors and directs the Teacher Assistant's daily activities under the supervision of the Site Administrator.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:Administration and Management:Creates and maintains an environment that meets the physical, social, and emotional needs of each individual child.Arranges the physical environment by selecting a minimum of 7 interest centers including a safe area and choosing equipment/ materials for each area that meets the curriculum and ECERS-R (pg. 12) guidelines.Creates and follows a balanced daily classroom schedule that meets ECERS-3 and curriculum guidelines.Creates/maintains a safe & healthy environment for staff and children.Posts ALL required information including: menu, fire & tornado drill, safe arrival & departure procedures, NC Daycare Licensing Rules & Regulations in the classroom.Displays an up-to-date parent information board with all required information (as listed in Classroom Handbook) as a minimum.Displays a family board with photos of all the children in the class.Monitors and directs teacher assistant(s)' activities. Maintains an effective working relationship with teacher assistant(s). Reports any concerns to the Site Administrator.Instruction and Implementation:Lead Teacher & Assistant(s) plan together effectively. As a minimum, all classroom staff are aware of each day's activities in advance.Designs, selects and implements developmentally appropriate activities related to the curriculum areas of language, mathematics, science, social studies, health, safety, nutrition, art, music, drama, and movement.Creates, selects, adapts, utilizes and evaluates materials appropriate for young children with varying ages, abilities, and needs. Changes out materials frequently.Integrates developmentally appropriate activities into daily schedule.Provides individual, small group, and large group learning activities through a variety of formats and covering all areas of development.Demonstrates and uses guidance techniques, behavior support and classroom management skills appropriate for young children and as outlined in Conscious Discipline & CSEFEL.Avoids all forms of corporal punishment.Plans and implements a parent/family involvement program including at least home visits, classroom participation, and parent/teacher conferences.Communicates weekly with all families about activities taking place in the classroom.Provides weekly a variety of educational activities for parents to enhance their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.Assessment :Completes all Developmental and Social-Emotional screenings within the 45 day deadline. Rescreens or refers as results indicate.Utilizes Developmental screening data, Parental Input information, and IEP goals (when applicable) when planning for each individual child.Documents a minimum of one anecdotal record per week per child and uses information for individual and group planning.Effectively links planning, assessment and documentation of skills based on the needs of each individual child.Understands how Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, Curriculum, Foundations, Dial 4, Parent Input goals, and IEP goals overlap and plans/teaches/documents accordingly.Identifies strengths, resources, and needs of children and collaborates with or makes referrals to other professionals, as necessary.Effectively uses information and feedback from observations, evaluations, and PDP or IGP to improve performance.Coordination:Works with supervisor to provide the best possible learning environment and resources for children in your care.Coordinates with teaching team members to carry out classroom responsibilities.Coordinates with other staff and those outside the program to ensure a smooth transition for children entering or exiting the program.Coordinates with Disabilities Manager, Health Services Manager and Exceptional Preschool staff in referring children and families for services.Collaborates with fellow teachers for planning and idea sharing.Appropriately supervises volunteers.Acts as a team member in developing IEPs for children, as needed.Works in cooperation with the Mental Health Consultant for the purpose of information sharing and problem planning.Works cooperatively/communicates with Family Advocates in planning home visits, updating and monitoring social services, parent involvement, disability, and health records and concerns.Assists in planning and implementing parent/family activities held after school hours and attends these events as directed (orientation, parent committee, open house, etc.)Safety and SupervisionDevelops and implements a system of monitoring & evaluation of activities and staff.Reviews and evaluates existing programs with teams of parents, Policy Council members and staff to enhance compliance with Performance Standards and other regulations.Supervises teacher assistant to ensure that component goals & objectives are monitored and achieved. Also, will ensure that supervision and safety are maintained at all times.Supervise and monitor children at all times.Responds immediately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur with child(ren).ProfessionalismAdheres to professional ethics and standards.Does not discuss children or families with other staff members, in front of children, or outside the program.Is present except when absence is unavoidable. Contact the supervisor as soon as possible when absence is necessary.Is punctual. Notifies supervisor if tardiness is unavoidable.Adheres to an established work schedule.Participates in opportunities for professional development, including attending staff meetings and local training.Submits neat, accurate, and punctual program paperwork.Maintains a professional attitude at all times.Maintains up-to-date CPR and First Aid certification.Keeps personnel requirements up to date including annual assurances, annual Physical, TB test, and in-service training.Is certified in Playground Safety.Has received training in the curriculum.Has received training in NC Foundations, Early Learning Standards for NC Preschoolers and Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD.Meets all standards required by DCDEE including Lead Teacher status (NCECC or equivalent) and, if requirement continues, Early Educator Certification (EEC).Physical/Mental Abilities Requirements:Frequent significant decisions to assure developmental progress of children.Demonstrated ability to supervise preschool children and ensure a safe learning environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in the classroom, outdoor play areas and other areas in the school setting. This includes the physical ability to move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need redirection in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others in the environment.Ability to respond appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or a crisis situation.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.Interact with children inside and outside in gross motor activities.Stand for extended periods of time to monitor children in the classroom and on the playground.Participate in floor activities with children.Walk up and down stairs.Sweep, mop, vacuum floors and clean bathrooms on a daily basis.Must provide an annual staff health assessment/medical report completed by a physician stating that ALL physical/mental requirements can be met at all times.