Job Summary
Every day is an opportunity to inspire a child, spark curiosity, and make a lasting difference. Sharon Baptist Head Start is seeking enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated Lead Teachers to create engaging, play-based learning experiences that prepare preschool children for lifelong success. As a Lead Teacher, you'll foster a safe and nurturing classroom, partner with families, collaborate with a supportive team, and guide children's academic, social-emotional, and developmental growth. If you're passionate about early childhood education and want to be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly matters, we'd love to meet you!
Responsibilities
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences using The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool to support children's cognitive, language, physical, social-emotional, and creative development.
- Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes exploration, independence, positive relationships, and school readiness.
- Observe, document, and assess children's development using Teaching Strategies GOLD® to inform individualized instruction and monitor progress.
- Develop weekly lesson plans that reflect children's interests, developmental needs, and Head Start School Readiness Goals.
- Establish positive classroom routines and use effective classroom management strategies to support children's social-emotional development and behavior.
- Partner with families through ongoing communication, conferences, and family engagement activities to support children's learning and development.
- Collaborate with education managers, coaches, family service staff, and specialists to ensure all children, including those with individualized needs, receive high-quality, inclusive services.
- Participate in professional development, coaching, team meetings, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Qualifications & Preferred Experience
- A Master's degree in Education or a Bachelor's degree with active enrollment in a Master's degree program (Study Plan).
- New York State Teacher Certification (Birth–Grade 2 preferred).
- Experience working with preschool-aged children in a Head Start, preschool, childcare, or early childhood education setting is preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and a commitment to play-based learning.
- Experience implementing The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool and using Teaching Strategies GOLD® is preferred, but we welcome candidates who are eager to learn.
- Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Strong classroom management, organization, and communication skills.
- Commitment to creating an inclusive classroom that supports the diverse strengths and needs of every child.
- A collaborative mindset and a willingness to participate in coaching, professional development, and continuous learning.
- Passion for helping children develop a lifelong love of learning.
Pay: $41,165.00 - $62,534.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
