Head Teacher

Responsibilities

• Participate in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula which will encompass the social/emotional, physical and intellectual needs of the children and which reflects the philosophy/goals of the program.
• Serve as a coach, trainer, and staff developer for Assistant Teachers, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Attend program and agency staff meetings, child treatment reviews, case conferences, and supervisory sessions.
• Create and implement the summer program to meet the needs of all age groups.
• Conduct an age-appropriate developmental assessment within three days of moving into the shelter and the DECA within 20 days of a child entering the shelter.
• Develop knowledge of and monitor each child’s needs and abilities to identify any early childhood impairments, developmental delays, and other interventions needed.
• Make referrals to ensure that each child is receiving the appropriate therapeutic early intervention services.
• Ensure a safe, healthy, culturally diverse, and attractive classroom environment.
• Communicate regularly with parents about the needs of their children and parental concerns and engage them in classroom activities.
• Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and days that NYC schools are closed.
• Escort children on field trips.
• Provide parenting workshops for the heads of household residing at the shelter covering topics such as child development, positive reinforcement of behaviors, setting limits, active listening, and problem-solving.
• Provide continuous feedback to the Director of Children’s Services, Program Director, Client Care Coordinators, and Case Managers to ensure that the program meets children’s needs.
• Actively participate as a member of the shelter’s multi-disciplinary team to ensure that all child care programs and child development plans are effectively coordinated.
• Prepare and maintain current attendance and individual health records on children’s progress, personnel records, and other record keeping, as required.
• Establish an advocacy network with community resources.
• Prepare all reports as required by the organization and/or funders, as needed, in an accurate and timely manner.

Qualifications

• Commitment to Win’s mission, vision, and values.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Classroom and supervisory experience required.
• Sound understanding of developmental theory and practice.
• Knowledge and skill relating to and planning for infants and pre-school children.
• Ability to interact in a supportive and nurturing manner with children and parents.
• Must have knowledge of and sensitivity to needs of homeless families.
• Ability to organize and plan, both independently and cooperatively with others.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Must submit to a medical screening to ensure good health by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Bureau of Child Care.
• Bilingual – English/Spanish a plus.