Head Start Lead Teacher

HEAD START LEAD TEACHER

General Statement of Job

The Lead Teacher serves as the primary provider of the preschool instructional program.

Required education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, birth-kindergarten, or a bachelor's degree with coursework equal to the same with experience teaching preschool age children.

• CPR/First Aid current

• Trained in Playground Safety; the curriculum; NCFELD and the HS Early Learning Outcomes Framework

Essential duties and responsibilities

• 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 seven interest centers including a safe area and choosing equipment/materials for each area that meets the curriculum and ECERS-R guidelines.

• Creates and follows a balanced daily classroom schedule and maintains a safe & healthy environment for staff and children that meets Head Start and DCDEE guidelines.

• Effectively uses appropriate guidance and classroom management techniques. Avoids all forms of corporal punishment (DCDEE guidelines).

• 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. Communicates weekly with all families about activities taking place in the classroom and provides a variety of educational activities for parents to enhance their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.

• Monitors and directs teacher assistant(s)' activities and maintains an effective working relationship with teacher assistant(s).

• Implements developmentally appropriate activities related to the curriculum areas to fidelity.

• Creates, selects, adapts, utilizes, and evaluates materials appropriate for young children with varying ages, abilities, and needs. Changes out materials frequently.

• Works with supervisor to provide the best possible learning environment and resources for children in your care.

• Coordinates with teaching team members to fulfill classroom responsibilities, lesson planning and idea sharing.

• Coordinates with other staff and those outside the program in referring children and families for services and to ensure a smooth transition for children entering or exiting the program.

• Completes all required education and social emotional screenings. Acts as a team member in developing IEPs for children, as needed.

• Reports any child injuries to site manager and complete DCDEE incident report. Reports any abuse/neglect concerns to DSS with the assistance of the site manager.

Additional duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Head Start Director and managers.

Essential knowledge and abilities

• Must be professional and must understand the necessity for confidentiality. Children and/or families must not be discussed outside the program or in front of children.

• Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations that interrupt normal daily schedules.

• Understands how Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, Curriculum, Foundations, Parent Input goals, and IEP goals overlap and plans/teaches/documents accordingly.

• Effectively link planning, assessment and documentation of skills based on the needs of each individual child.

• Submits neat, accurate, and punctual program paperwork.

• Requires the ability to read and prepare a variety of correspondence including reports, handbooks, forms, lists, instructional materials, etc.

• Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments, or directions to other staff. Also includes receiving instructions, assignments and/or directions from supervisors.

• Requires the ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including medical, legal, and counseling terminology.

• Is present except when absence is avoidable. Must be punctual and adhere to an established work schedule.

• Submit neat, accurate, and punctual program paperwork.

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, copiers, calculators, pencils, scissors, etc.

• Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, care, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

• General knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Teaching Strategies, NCFELD, ELOF, and Daycare Licensing.

The knowledge and abilities described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.