HS HEAD TEACHER

• Requires a Baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or field related to early childhood education (minimum amount of ECE credits needed) and two years teaching experience in early childhood setting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

       procedures related to education services.

       for teaching staff, student interns and volunteers to maintain required ratios. Work closely with 

       Education Services Manager to arrange coverage for absent teaching staff.  

• Ensure for completion and quality of required tasks according to established time lines including, but not limited to, home visits, parent teacher conferences, individual learning plans, assessments, etc.
• Assign classroom documentation and tasks.  Monitor for quality and completion according to 

       established timelines and program protocol. 

       discipline protocol to a teaching team member or student intern when necessary.

EDUCATION SERVICES:

• Assume responsibility for the operation of the classroom by implementing an early childhood education program adhering to applicable regulations and professional standards including but not limited to the Head Start Performance Standards and the National Association for the Education of the Young Child Developmentally Appropriate Practices, and CT Early Learning Development Standards.
• By example, set the professional and caring atmosphere of the center.
• Facilitate a team-teaching approach and provide supervision and guidance to classroom staff. Coordinate the activities of student teachers, observers, and all classroom volunteers.

• Provide oversight and guidance to other teaching team members for curriculum planning to ensure that program protocol, NAEYC and Performance Standards are met.  Be aware of the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs of each child and plan with parents and staff for effective curriculum and other services to meet those needs.
• Be responsible for daily preparation of program activities.
• Conduct a minimum of two home visits per family each year at the convenience of the family.   Conduct additional home visits as deemed necessary by Case Consultation, Individual Action Plans, etc.
• Participate in case management/consultation and other team meetings, including outside meetings such as Planning and Placement Team Meetings.  Work with all staff to coordinate service delivery and to plan for children or families that may need more extensive interventions or more comprehensive approaches to service delivery.  Provide support and advocacy for the child.  
• Coordinate with all Head Start staff to integrate comprehensive services for Head Start children and families.  Provide families with information about Head Start services and activities.
• Work closely with other Head Start staff to facilitate the transition of children into, out of and within the Head Start Program
• Work closely with and share information with supervisor and team members to coordinate services to children and families. Become familiar with program policies and activities in order to encourage and support the home-school connection. 
• Ensure that children with disabilities and their families have access to all Head Start services.  Accompany parents to Planning and Placement Team meetings when necessary to act as an advocate for children with suspected and diagnosed disabilities and their families.
• Be responsible for children's health and safety at all times during program hours.  

PROGRAM OPERATIONS:

      operations in accordance with agency and program policies and ensure for the confidentiality of all records and materials. 

• Adhere to the framework of professional responsibilities in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Develop and maintain friendly and professional relationships with agency and program staff, parents and community partners and encourage participation in program and agency activities.
• Ensure that all emergencies and accidents are reported and documented appropriately. 
• Follow program protocol as it relates to mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.    
• Practice universal precautions at all times.
• Maintain a gossip free work environment.
• Actively participate in all required meetings including, but not limited to, Case Consultation, Individual Action Plans, Peer Teacher Meetings, supervision meetings, etc.
• Conduct workshops, meetings and training activities as needed throughout school year.
• Attend agency and Head Start staff meetings, workshops and training sessions as necessary to comply with licensing and Head Start professional development requirements.