Lead Teacher - Early Head Start

SUMMARY:

Educare Lincoln is a collaborative partnership between the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL), Early Head Start (EHS), and the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The mission of Educare Lincoln is to help young children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically through high-quality early childhood education, and in partnership with their families and the community.  The EHS program (ages 6 weeks to 3 years) and the preschool program (ages 3 years to 5 years) promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of evidence-based education, health, nutritional, social, and other services to enrolled children and their families.

The Lead Teacher in the Early Head Start infant/toddler classrooms is responsible for the planning, implementation, and coordination of a comprehensive education program. They ensure the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets children's individual needs as well as program standards of Educare of Lincoln, Early Head Start, and the Nebraska Department of Education.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:

Child Development

• Observe, assess and document each child's skills, behavior, growth, and development using Teaching Strategies Gold.
• Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• Develop an individualized educational plan for each child.
• Coordinate referrals for children with developmental concerns with the Coaching, Training, and Disabilities Coordinator.
• Contribute to and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Support the child and family as the child transitions from the infant and toddler program to the preschool program.
• Foster positive relationships with all children in the classroom.

Classroom Management

• Develop and maintain an attractive and stimulating learning environment and encourage children's independence and self-selection of activities.
• Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.
• Utilize Positive Behavior Supports.

Curriculum

• Utilize Creative Curriculum to plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities.
• Participate in interpreting and analyzing assessment results and utilize data to plan individual and classroom experiences as well as intentionally share information with families.

Parent Involvement

• Schedule a minimum of two home visits per year with each child's family.
• Encourage parent participation in program activities.
• Communicate with parents (informal conversations, newsletters, personal notes) regarding his/her child's involvement in classroom activities and progress towards learning goals.

Administration

• Participate in regular reflective supervision with the Early Head Start Manager.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.
• Participate in a coaching process to promote high-quality instructions.
• Provide leadership for the classroom team.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding each child and family.
• Maintain daily attendance and CACFP food counts.
• Ensure the timely completion of necessary paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, newsletters, incident reports, etc.

Other

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma/GED required, bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential required.  
• Nebraska Teaching Certification along with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Two or more years of early childhood experience in a group care setting preferred.
• Must be able to pass a background check that meets compliance standards.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, and Pyramid practices.
• Ability and willingness to remain abreast of developments in the child development/early childhood education field to enhance professional growth and development.
• Willingness to participate in Educare's commitment to continuously review, analyze, and apply findings from local and national evaluations to current program design.
• Knowledge of state childcare licensing requirements.
• Strong organization skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability to establish supportive relationships with staff and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a manner that demonstrates and fosters cooperation, respect, concern, and openness to change.
• Ability to take or think about the perspective of others and demonstrate self-awareness of one's own culture, beliefs, and values.
• Ability to physically interact with children including the ability to walk or run quickly, kneel or sit on the floor, bend and lift, walk over rough or uneven ground, all while inside or outside the facility.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move center/classroom equipment and supplies and/or bulky objects or children weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and perform all duties in an ethical and professional manner.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment, including but not limited to, a telephone, fax machine, and copier.