Job Description

The Lead Teacher will plan and conduct an appropriate classroom program utilizing the abilities of the Assistant Teacher, parents, volunteers to the fullest extent. The Head Start program is in keeping with performance standards, good early childhood practices, and the needs of individual children, as well as the group.

Employee Benefits:

• 403b

• 403b matching

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life Insurance

• Paid holidays

Education and Experience:

Associate's, Baccalaureate, or advanced degree in early childhood education or in field related to early childhood education - birth-2nd or Newborn-6th;

At least one-year experience working with young children in a classroom setting

At least one year's supervisory experience

Direct experience working with low-income children and families is preferred; ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with staff, families, children, and the public using the phone as well as in face-to-face, one-on-one, and group settings

Certification in First Aid and CPR, and NYS Medication Administration Training certification are requirements of this position. It is the employee’s responsibility to keep certification up to date.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly supervises one employee the Assistant Teacher. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training, planning, assigning, and directing work; completing the evaluation process; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Implement developmentally appropriate activities in all eleven Head Start domains according to the individual needs of children as written in daily lesson plans

2. Complete developmental screenings of each child within 45 days of child's date of entry

3. Use results of development screenings and input from parent/guardian to begin individualized educational planning process as needed

4. Manage large and small groups of children as well as meeting children's individual needs

5. Provide the necessary classroom structure that facilitates maximum child involvement and development

6. Utilize a team approach with the Assistant Teacher, parents, and other classroom teaching staff (including public school teaching and administrative staff, when applicable) in the development and implementation of lesson plans and child observation and assessment

7. Actively participate in children's activities in the classroom and on the playground

8. Model appropriate behavior, language, and grammar skills for children and parents

9. Eat breakfast, snacks and lunch with children; encouraging them to engage in conversation and promoting a pleasant atmosphere during meal time. Use meal periods and information about food as part of the total education plan

10. Assist children with proper health, nutrition and safety training and encourage self-help skills such as eating (serving self), dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, and personal hygiene

11. Attend monthly parent committee meetings and child/family related meetings (i.e. CPSE, IEP) as required

12. Schedule and participate in two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per child per year

13. Share updated child assessment information with parents three times each year at the parent/teacher conference and final home visit

14. Work in cooperation with other staff members to transition children and parents in and out of Head Start

15. Maintain records; attendance, accident/incident reports, daily health check, case notes, lesson plans, etc., as required by Head Start and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)

16. Input required data in the Teaching Strategies GOLD and COPA data base

17. Keep ongoing observation records on children's performance and use these anecdotal records in updating child assessments, and in planning individual and group activities and interactions with children

18. Provide daily plans and guidance for the Assistant Teacher and classroom volunteers

19. Submit written referrals as needed

20. Maintain documentation of any special services (speech/OT/PT, etc.) given to each child

21. Maintain a complete up to date file on each child

22. Document any conversation/interaction with children/families and share relevant information with appropriate Head Start staff on a “need to know basis"

23. Fulfill role as Mandated Reporter as stated in the Child Abuse and Maltreatment Policy

24. Check GO online e-mail account frequently throughout the workweek

25. Assure that children are treated with respect while using positive discipline techniques and setting limits and expectations consistently

26. Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment

27. Maintain an orderly and clean classroom environment; this may include sweeping, mopping, etc. as necessary

28. Maintain inventory of classroom supplies and assure materials are in good condition

29. Maintain a working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and adhere to all agency policies and procedures

30. Participate in all meetings and in-service training

31. Complete the 30 hours of professional development training each program year as required by Head Start and NYS OCFS

Required Skills/Abilities

1. Understands and agrees to abide by the Head Start program's standards of conduct, which include the following:

2. Staff will respect and promote that unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability

3. Staff will follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members

4. No child will be left alone or unsupervised while under our care

5. Staff will use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation. In addition, they will not employ methods of discipline involving isolation, use of food as punishment or reward, or denial of basic needs

6. Free from conviction of child and adult abuse, neglect, molestation, or exploitation

Physical Requirements:

Talking-ordinary

Hearing-ordinary conversation

Weight-lifting up to 50 pounds

Physical Demands-climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, handling, pushing, repetitive arm motion

Vision-acuity, near, and far

“All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to r ace, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.”

Th is document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other t han "at will" relationship.