Substitute Lead Teachers are in charge of a classroom in an Lead Teacher’s absence. Substitute teachers are responsible for providing instruction and managing classroom environments in absence of the regular teacher. Substitute teachers will work closely with others in facilitating the planning and execution of a program to provide day care for children which considers the educational, social, developmental and health needs of the group, as well as the individual child.

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

• Assist in the direction of a class of students (maybe mixed age) through daily activities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Planning, Preparation Classroom and Behavioral Management (90%)

• Gain awareness as to curriculum posted in each assigned classroom and provide activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the development levels of the children
• Follow and implement existing lesson plans prepared by the permanent classroom teacher.
• Prepare weekly lesson plans following The Creative Curriculum format if placed in the same classroom for more than a week. Implement instruction based on The Creative Curriculum and Head Start Performance Standards, aligned with children’s goals and objectives. 
• Supervise the activities and assignment of the teacher assistants with individual children or groups of children in the classroom.
• Maintain confidentiality of family records, written and verbal information, including child behavior and parent communication.
• Participate in ongoing observation of children’s health, behavior and development in keeping with identified Early Learn and BKS’s policies and practices.
• Notify the permanent Early Childhood Education Teacher and Director of any concerns or observations of child health and behavior.
• Meet with classroom teacher and Director as needed to review classroom and child data, develop action plans, and support goal achievement through active collaboration.
• Maintain professional, positive and encouraging relationships with all children, family members, and BKS staff.
• Assist in classroom opening if scheduled to opening shift and assist in classroom closings if assigned to a closing shift
• Direct classroom procedures including transitions, routines and small groups, as assigned
• Adhere to BKS policies and procedures; comply with required documentation and record keeping responsibilities for both the classroom functioning and for individual children
• Seek and implement feedback to elevate professional performance.
• Report to work at time assigned, at all sites and classrooms as assigned

Other (10%)

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge

• At least an Associate’s Degree working towards a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education (if not possessing an AA in ECE) or an Associate’s degree working towards any Bachelor's program that graduates with at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Psychology, Childhood Development, Elementary Education and Students with Disabilities 1-6 as long as degree has at 12 credits in Early Childhood Education acceptable, Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or working towards Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education highly preferred
• Desire to work with children and low-income families in a multilingual and multicultural setting, with specialized training for dealing with this specific age group
• Ability to receive & provide feedback to colleagues in a professional setting
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Classroom teaching experience
• Knowledge of child development and sensitivity to the needs and characteristics of young children and families
• Must be able to meet physical requirements of working with young children, including walking up and down stairs, sitting on the floor and lifting a child
• Adaptable schedule to work as needed between the hours of 8AM and 6PM on days program is in operation

PRE- EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Comprehensive Background Clearance through Department of Health and Mental Hygiene- Identogo and/or Department of Education Fingerprinting Screening, NYS Central Registry, Sex Offender Registry clearance, SEL check, three (3) reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, varicella, tdap, MMR (fees may apply).
• Obtain Mandated Reporter training certificate, Foundations in Health and Safety and/or any other Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Head Start Performance Standard training requirements(if required)
• If hired, full COVID-19 vaccination is optional, but preferred