"This institution is an equal opportunity provider"
Job Summary:
The Early Head Start Lead Teacher is responsible for creating and implementing developmentally appropriate experiences that support the growth and learning of children from birth to age three. This role fosters secure, nurturing relationships while promoting social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The Lead Teacher partners with families, honoring their role as their child’s first teacher, and provides guidance to support positive parent-child interactions. They maintain a safe, engaging learning environment and collaborate with community partners to ensure comprehensive support services. Additionally, the Lead Teacher models best practices for classroom staff and supports a team approach to meeting program goals.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise, evaluate, and provide guidance for assigned classroom staff.
Lead regular education team meetings to align with WCFD objectives and ensure effective program delivery.
Delegate responsibilities to classroom staff.
Offer ongoing technical support and feedback to assigned staff members.
Duties/Responsibilities:
All duties will comply with all rules, regulations, and practices of the agency and its regulating authorities. WCFD standards, DFS licensing, NAEYC guidelines, Wyoming Division of Disabilities regulations, and WCFD policies. All employees will adhere to the mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures of WCFD.
Recruit children for the program in accordance with guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services and WCFD.
Design and implements set lesson plans in individual, cooperative, small and large group settings.
Conducts assessments and observations to assess each child’s medical and developmental status.
Deliver direct services to children, families, and staff in various settings regardless of weather conditions.
Communicate positively with staff, children, and families through both verbal and nonverbal methods.
Work effectively with children who have behavioral concerns, developmental disabilities, and/or learning impairments.
Supports healthy development through community-based referrals and collaborative services as needed.
Organize and implement group socialization activities for children andfamilies.
Complete all required paperwork accurately and on time.
Provide individualized activities that promote exploration, problem-solving, and self-confidence.
Advocates for young children and demonstrates involvement in the broader early childhood community.
Participate in child screenings and staff interviews as appropriate.
Apply positive guidance strategies to support children with challenging behaviors.
Support Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.
Keep classroom areas clean, organized, and safe.
Provide regular care to children, including diaper changes, feeding, andcomforting.
Maintain confidentiality of all program-related information.
Perform minor first aid and routine hygienic care.
Respond appropriately to suspected child abuse in accordance with WCFD policies.
Provide emergency care as needed.
Ensure ability to perform job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Attend all required training sessions and meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Board or its designee.
Required Skills/Abilities:
Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with children ranging from birth to three years old, including those with special needs, and their families.
Reliable, organized, and detail oriented
Must possess strong problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately
Excellent interpersonal skills are required to collaborate with individuals with diverse ranges of personalities, backgrounds, and knowledge bases
Strong communication skills are essential to interact with staff, children, families, and the broader community.
Must have effective stress management strategies and the ability to maintain composure in challenging situations.
Flexibility is key; the ability to adapt to changing daily routines is required.
Bilingual candidates are preferred.
Education and Experience:
Prefer a degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Infant Development, Social Work or a closely related field (must have coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood).
Required high school diploma or G.E.D. and an Infant Toddler CDA credential or equivalent with exceptional experience.
Must be willing to attain additional training or certifications, which may be required by Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.
WCFD will only accept college degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Physical Requirements:
Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while
performing the essential functions of this job.
Must possess visual acuity and stamina to read technical material for extended periods of time.
Be able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time without fatigue or discomfort.
Must be able to travel to site locations, meetings and trainings, both in and out of state.
Must be willing to drive in a variety of weather conditions.
Must be able to hear and process ordinary conversation and telephone conversation.
Must be able to tolerate air-conditioned buildings and fluorescent lights.
Must be able to climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or reach, to retrieve materials and supplies from ground level to a height of at least 5 ft.
Must have upper body strength to lift and carry the equivalent of 50 pounds.
Must be able to assist a child to safety in case of an emergency.
Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot and cold weather.
Ability to travel across a multi-county region; work in homes, community settings, and office environments; maintain flexible scheduling to meet availability needs.
