JOB DESCRIPTION – LEAD TEACHER

RESPONSIBLE TO: Early Childhood Services Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for the implementation of all aspects of Northeast Head Start’s education and child development services, under the direction of the Early Childhood Services Coordinator, for children and families served as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards and the 2007 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act as well as the supervision of the assistant teacher, classroom aides and volunteers (including outdoor activities and field trips) for the assigned Head Start.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Implement a program of comprehensive educational and child development services including a curriculum which meets the program’s philosophy and the developmental needs of the children served at the assigned center.
• Plan and implement activities supporting the curriculum, home follow-up program, scheduling, learning environment and supervision of all classroom activities.
• Plan and implement classroom activities with staff and parents, ensuring activities supporting all developmental areas are provided daily.
• Ensure completion of each child’s individualized education plan, including developmental screening, developmental assessment and individual objectives, including support activities.
• Review and approve activities planned by assistant teacher, parents and/or volunteers.
• Provide a positive atmosphere for all parents, volunteers and visitors, ensuring each person receives a proper greeting and assistance.
• Maintain all records and ensure completion of records by assistant and other staff at the center.
• Completion of the phase-in program with each child/family entering the Head Start program.
• Ensure completion of a minimum of four parent/teacher conferences with each family per year; two of which must take place during an educational home visit.
• Provide parent training during the phase-in program regarding the Head Start Performance Standards and all areas outlined in the program’s policies and procedures manuals, including the volunteer program.
• Provide overview and training to parents regarding curriculum.
• Plan and facilitate curriculum planning meetings, involving parents.
• Order supplies and materials needed for the center.
• Report any repair/maintenance needs of the center to the appropriate Central Office staff.
• Provide on-going evaluation of the center’s learning environment, activities and staff, ensuring improvements deemed necessary.
• Ensure toileting, health checks and all other daily health routines are completed for all children.

JOB DESCRIPTION – LEAD TEACHER PAGE 2

• Ensure the completion, while sharing in the responsibility, of preparing and cleaning up after activities.
• Serve as direct line of communication between center’s staff and Early Childhood Services Coordinator.
• Contact and schedule substitute staff, as needed.
• Recruit volunteers.
• Notify Early Childhood Services Coordinator (obtain approval), family advocate and parents of schedule changes, special events, field trips, etc.
• Attend professional conferences, meetings, workshops, and any other events deemed beneficial, which may augment program and/or personal professional development skills necessary in maintaining the highest quality in educational services.
• Collaborate with local education authorities, community resources and any other available resources providing early childhood services.
• Complete required training as outlined in the programs Personnel, Policies and Procedures.
• Ensure the preservation of all private and confidential information of children, families and staff.
• Coordinate with other Head Start component coordinators to ensure the assimilation of services for children and families.
• Complete and submit required administrative documentation, such as time sheets, when due.
• Perform all other duties as designated by the Head Start Director to ensure program operations.

EDUCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• AA Degree – Early Childhood Education or related field with 18 credit hours
• Preferred – BA in IECE or ECE
• Valid Kentucky Driver’s License and current liability insurance.
• Prior to employment: Submit a tuberculin skin test and/or screen and a physical examination indicating individual is free of communicable diseases; participate in the National Background Check Service, including fingerprints, Child Abuse and Neglect and criminal record checks.

PREFERENCE GIVEN TO:

• Experience in Head Start or related child care center.
• Knowledge of children and family resources.
• Knowledge of Day Care Licensing requirements of Kentucky.
• Communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to communicate with Head Start parents and coordinate services for both children and families.
• Ability to supervise.

JOB STATUS: Full-time contract.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.59 - $22.92 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person