HS Lead Teacher

Self Help Inc. is currently looking for an experienced Head Start Lead Teacher to join our team.

Agency Profile

Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Job Summary

 The Head Start Lead Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for preschool children in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and local licensing regulations. The Lead Teacher designs and implements curriculum that promotes children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, preparing them for kindergarten success

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement daily lesson plans based on Creative Curriculum (or equivalent), aligned with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for children and families
• Conduct ongoing observations, assessments, and documentation of each child’s development
• Plan and facilitate parent-teacher conferences and home visits to support family engagement and goal setting
• Supervise and mentor Teachers, Assistant Teachers and classroom volunteers
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment in compliance with licensing and Head Start regulations
• Collaborate with other staff to ensure comprehensive services for each child
• Participate in professional development, training and staff meetings
• Maintain accurate records and timely documentation
• Classroom-based; may involve bending, lifting, sitting on the floor, and other physical activities associated with young children
• Occasional evening or weekend hours for family engagement events

Other Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances 
• Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification 
• Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation is required

Schedule

• Monday-Friday

Hourly Rate: $20-$26

Knowledge, Skills and abilities

• Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work respectfully with children, families, and a diverse team
• Proficient in documentation and use of assessment tools
• CRP/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Bilingual abilities are highly desirable

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with at least 36 college credit courses in ECH and nine (9) months experience giving care to preschool age children in a daycare setting. 

Self Help Inc offers a comprehensive employee benefits package:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• LTD
• FSA
• 403B
• Vacation Time
• Optional Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Disability Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Direct Deposit

 Self Help, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the agency at any time.