POSITION SUMMARY BROAD FUNCTION:
The Early Head Start (EHS)/Head Start (HS) Lead Teacher provides high-quality early childhood education and care to young children. The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing and engaging classroom environment that supports each child's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. This position involves planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, guiding classroom staff, and partnering with families to promote school readiness and lifelong learning success.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Classroom Management and Instruction:
- Develop and implement a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets Head Start Performance Standards.
- Create a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment that encourages exploration and learning.
- Provide direct instruction and support to children based on individual learning needs and goals.
- Foster children’s development across all domains, including social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
- Ensure that daily schedules and routines provide a balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities.
Child Assessment and Developmental Monitoring:
- Conduct regular developmental assessments and screenings using approved tools.
- Track and document children's progress toward developmental and educational goals.
- Use assessment data to adapt lesson plans and classroom activities to meet the individual needs of each child.
- Identify and refer children for additional support services as needed (e.g., special education, mental health).
Family Engagement and Communication:
- Build positive, respectful relationships with families to support their child’s learning and development.
- Conduct parent-teacher conferences to share progress and collaborate on learning goals.
- Encourage family participation in classroom activities, program events, and parent education opportunities.
- Provide families with resources and strategies to support learning at home.
Classroom Staff Leadership and Development:
- Supervise and mentor classroom staff, including Assistant Teachers and Classroom Aides.
- Provide guidance and professional development opportunities to strengthen staff skills and knowledge.
- Model best practices in early childhood education and positive behavior guidance.
- Ensure that classroom staff maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment.
Compliance and Program Standards:
- Ensure full compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing requirements, and program policies.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, meal counts, and child progress.
- Participate in program self-assessment and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Follow health and safety protocols, including emergency procedures and sanitation guidelines.
Other Duties as Assigned
AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
The Lead Teacher is delegated full authority necessary for the effective performance of all assigned duties and responsibilities subject to the restrictions, requirements, and terms of the agency’s policies and procedures, applicable local/state/federal laws, and the dictates of sound business judgment, prudence, and ethical conduct. The Lead Teacher is fully accountable to the Early Childhood Instructional Coach for their performance, which will be measured against the position description and established performance goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. The knowledge, skill, achievements, and/or abilities required or preferred, are listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Child Development, or a related field (Associate degree with significant experience may be considered).
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting.
- Experience working with infants and toddlers (for EHS) and/or preschool-aged children (for HS).
- Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and early childhood development best practices.
- Strong classroom management and instructional skills.
- Experience in staff supervision and coaching preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor a team of classroom staff to provide high-quality care and instruction.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,900.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
- Special education: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Teaching Certification (Preferred)
- Special Education Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
