SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Lead Teacher is responsible for ensuring the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team. He/she assists with the planning and implementation of the curriculum. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: (Asterisk for essential job duties.) * Maintains a Safe and Healthy Environment * Maintain an orderly learning environment. * Promote healthy eating practices by eating with children. * Maintain proper dental hygiene according to regulations. * Post necessary health and safety information. * Share routine duties with other staff (supervision on playground, toileting, cleanup, classroom maintenance). * Assist in keeping room and other areas neat and clean. * Interact with children in activities he/she is supervising. * Perform health checks on children daily. * Perform monthly classroom and playground safety checks and report deficiencies to Curriculum Specialist/Instructional Lead Teacher. * Perform appropriate hand washing and sanitizing procedures. * Demonstrates Physical & Cognitive Competence * Provide balance between child/teacher-initiated activities. * Use equipment/materials to promote physical development. * Provide balance between quiet/active learning activities. * Involve children in planning and implementing activities. * Provide an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of individual children. * Plan and implement activities that promote acquisition of number concepts. * Plan and implement experiences that promote language and literacy development. * Consider outdoors as a part of learning environment. * Assess children's needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis. * Maintain written plans on a weekly basis. * Assess children's needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis. * Use the results of assessments to plan activities for children based on the developmental level. * Prepare activities ahead of time so materials are in order when needed and follows through with planned activities. * Share knowledge of children's developmental stages by planning age appropriate activities. * Supports Social and Emotional Development and Provides Positive Guidance * Plan and implement hands-on activities that develop self-esteem. * Plan and implement hands-on activities that develop social skills. * Plan and implement culturally diverse experiences. * Promote the use of positive guidance techniques. * Provide a wide variety of creative/expressive activities. * Establish routines with smooth transition periods. * Encourage children to be independent in decision making and self-care (dressing, toileting, etc.) * Greet children upon arrival and departure. * Show each child affection and attention daily. * Encourage children to problem solve and discover. * Help children work out problems by encouraging them to talk about their feelings (anger, sadness, fear, etc.) and express them appropriately. * Must be willing to work with special needs children and families. * Establishes Positive and Productive Relationships with Families * Greet parents and other visitors with a smile and friendly manner. * Take time to explain classroom activities and projects to parents. * Provide verbal and/or written communication to parent's daily regarding child's activities. * Relate assessment information to parents and offers support for dealing with children at different developmental stages. * Plan and conducts home and/or personal visits. * Promote communication with parents through progress notes, monthly newsletters, and parent conferences. * Provide variety of ways that families can participate in the program. * Encourage parents to participate in the program. * Maintains a Commitment to Professionalism * Attend staff and parent leadership meetings. * Attend conference and in-service training. * Make observable use of knowledge gained from conferences and courses. * Share new ideas and skills with other staff members. * Promote the center's philosophy and educational objectives. * Report to the Center Director before workday begins when planning to be absent. * Maintain a good attendance record. * Report to classroom according to schedule. * Follow center rules regarding breaks, telephones, clocking in and out, etc. * Demonstrate competence in required job skills and knowledge. * Exhibit ability to learn and apply new skills. * Keep current on developments in the field of ECE. * Require minimal supervision. * Use resources effectively and efficiently. * Display understanding of State Licensing Regulations. * Display understanding of NAEYC standards. * Display knowledge and understanding of Head Start Performance Standard. * Work with Curriculum Specialist/ Instructional Lead Teacher to ensure that adequate materials are available in classrooms and unit boxes. * Ensure that children's developmental assessments are completed and on-going assessments are used for planning. Teamwork: * Display ability to work as a team member. * Establish and maintain effective relatio