Head Teacher ( Pre-School)

Supervise, assign, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for early childhood development and teaching activities. Develop and implement lesson plans for children, ensure work quality, and adhere to established policies and procedures. Perform complex tasks in assigned areas. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for early childhood development and teaching activities.
• Establish schedules and methods for providing child development teaching services; identify resource needs and allocate resources accordingly.
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures; monitor compliance and recommend improvements.
• Recommend and assist in implementing goals and objectives; enforce approved policies and procedures.
• Perform technical and complex tasks, ensuring compliance with federal and state licensing standards for the assigned center.
• Maintain accurate records of student performance, progress, attendance, enrollment, injuries, and other required reports.
• Review applications for admission, maintain enrollment capacity, and update waiting lists.
• Visually examine children for potential health issues, child abuse, neglect, and communicable diseases; take appropriate action.
• Coordinate vision, hearing, and speech therapy sessions with outside agencies; participate in food distribution activities.
• Schedule and conduct parent conferences, workshops, and home visits; discuss student performance and recommend performance plans.
• Ensure maintenance and cleanliness of child development center facilities and equipment; maintain adequate classroom supplies.
• Coordinate staff development activities, conduct staff meetings, and provide early childhood education training.
• Develop and monitor individual growth plans using the City of Albuquerque Performance Evaluation Guide (PEG) system.
• Respond to public inquiries professionally, provide information, and resolve complaints efficiently.
• Serve as liaison between the child development center and public schools, family advocates, and community groups.
• Participate in the selection, training, and discipline of child development teaching staff.
• Attend professional meetings and stay updated on trends and innovations in child development instruction.
• Prepare analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
• Participate in home visitation activities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, early childhood program administration, family/infant/toddler studies, child development, early childhood special education, or early childhood multicultural education.
• Two (2) years of classroom teaching or student teaching practicum experience in an early childhood growth and development setting.
• Eighteen (18) passing credit hours (C or better) in compliant areas for related degrees (e.g., Elementary Education).
• Valid New Mexico Driver’s License or ability to obtain by date of hire.
• City Operator’s Permit (COP) within six (6) months of hire.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) or New Mexico Child Development Certificate (CDC) within six (6) months of hire.
• Valid CPR and First Aid certificates within six (6) months of hire.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Working Conditions

• Classroom environment with exposure to communicable diseases and noise.
• Home visits to program participants.
• Physical requirements include walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods; moderate or light lifting up to 50 pounds.