Early Head Start Lead Teacher

Early Head Start Lead Teacher / ROWAN and DAVIDSON COUNTY

Department: Head Start

Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Center Manager

Schedule: Full-time

Pay: 17.49 per hour

MULTIPLE VACANCIES THROUGHOUT ROWAN AND DAVIDSON COUNTY!!!

Position Statement:

Early Head Start Lead Teachers are responsible for providing day to day care to infants/toddlers and two-year-olds in an attractive, warm and nurturing learning environment; using a developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessment; and building responsive relationships with children and families. The Early Head Start Lead Teacher is also responsible for providing comprehensive services to children/families in order to achieve the goal of a successful and meaningful classroom experience. This position actively promotes school readiness and set appropriate goals that address the five essential domains (social-emotional, cognition, perceptual motor and physical development, language/literacy and approaches to learning). This position requires a culture of safety and positive reinforcement with continuity of care which includes active supervision strategies and encourages parent /family/ community engagement in all aspects of the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement the creative curriculum, ongoing assessment, and the Head Start Performance Standards for Early Head Start classrooms.
• Prepare lesson plans, in advance, that include indoor and outdoor learning experiences; are individualized based on the infants/toddlers needs, interest and schedules; and include multicultural awareness.
• Organize the learning environment according to developmentally appropriate levels and individual needs of the infant or toddler.
• Ensure the learning environment is healthy, safe, clean, and free of clutter.
• Organize the infant and/or toddler classroom in rudimentary learning centers that are well defined, rotating materials routinely to create a stimulating environment.
• Provide and maintain active supervision in the indoor environment and outdoor environment.
• Maintain positive teacher-child interactions at all times throughout the day.
• Observe children and record observations in anecdotal records, making appropriate referrals.
• Conduct or assist with developmental screenings.
• Participate in IFSP meetings.
• Works collaboratively with support staff in providing direct services and the development of goals for children with disabilities.
• Responsible for emphasizing fluency in the languages spoken by children and their families (making use of translators when necessary).
• Conduct at least two home visits and two parent teacher conferences with each child’s family within the program year.
• Oversees upkeep, inventory of classroom supplies, materials, and equipment by completing the daily classroom checklist.
• Participate in program trainings, professional development, all staff information sessions, and center staff meetings.
• Maintain supplies and submit a list to the Center Manager when additional items are needed.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by your immediate supervisor.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Maintaining daily attendance record of children
• Conducting morning health check and/or Sunshine Reports
• Completing anecdotal notes
• Performing playground checks
• Complete Daily Classroom Checklist
• Providing a stimulating learning environment with age-appropriate activities and materials based on best practices.

Weekly Responsibilities:

• Meeting with co-teacher to complete lesson plans
• Attending center meetings and in-service trainings
• Creating activities to encourage parent involvement
• Ensure In-Kind documentation is accurate and submitted to Family Development Specialist

Monthly Responsibilities:

• Completing Statistical reports
• Contributing to and compiling center newsletter
• Completing Work Sampling Portfolio’s

Quarterly Responsibilities:

• Completing the Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment online
• Completing child outcomes

Parent and Community Engagement:

1. Conducts home visits and parent/teacher conferences as required by Head Start performance standards.
2. Supervises and trains parents, staff, and volunteers.
3. Participates in workshops, meetings, community events, etc. (e.g., partner meetings, conferences, etc.) to intentionally receive and/or present information.
4. Serves as an advocate for children, families, and communities.
5. Responsible for attending parent functions as deemed necessary and encouraging parent involvement.

Compliance and Reporting:

1. Responsible for maintaining compliance by adhering to Agency and Program Policy and Procedures, Administration for Children and Families, Performance Standards, North Carolina Day Care rules and regulations.
2. Completes and maintains all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards.
3. Responsible for maintaining training hours as directed by the Division of Child Development and Day Care Licensing requirements through Agency pre-service and in service, and workshops, conferences, etc.
4. Maintain accurate attendance records, food reports, in-kind reports and other record keeping and reports as required.
5. Establish and monitor services that ensure program quality and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
6. Responsible for reporting Child Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment (*whether witnessed or made aware of) to immediate supervisor (Center Manager) and/or Head Start/EHS Director immediately.
7. Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality, seamless customer service.

Environmental Health and Safety:

1. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of a safe, clean, health and productive work environment.
2. Responsible for adhering to NC Sanitation regulation (i.e., floors cleaned, trash cans covered, bathrooms cleaned, water temperature maintained, rugs vacuumed, toys and equipment sanitized)
3. Responsible for ensuring that staff/child ratio is maintained and adequate supervision in the indoor earning environment, outdoor learning environment, and on field trips.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate procedure for mixing sanitation solution (*if applicable)
5. Responsible for ensuring playground safety checks are conducted daily.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of center safety requirements (tornado, fire drills, fire extinguisher inspection, and fire inspections).
7. Responsible for securing and maintaining an emergency preparedness plan.
8. Responsible to ensure the following star rated license, current sanitation certification and fire drill record are posted in a common area in the center.

Professional and Ethical Standard:

1. Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards, and confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.
2. Responsible for reporting potential child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment according to the Head Start/Early Start Policies and Procedures
3. Responsible for adhering to professional development plan including renewal of annual credentials (*which are required for continued employment in this position).
4. Maintain confidentiality.
5. Must be able to periodically attend out of town conferences and training sessions as needed.

ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance/Participation)

1. Works in association with FDS to support and develop recruitment plans to assure full enrollment at the center.
2. Ensure enrollment and attendance is maintained at full capacity at the center.

Qualifications:

Must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential, Certified Childcare Professional (CCP), and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Knowledge of North Carolina Division of Child Care Rules and Regulations
• Knowledge of various software programs such as MS Words, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Child Plus and TSG
• Ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously. Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all employee interactions.
• Strong organization and time management and leadership skills, ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, able to periodically attend out of town conferences and training sessions.

SRCAA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected classes.