Lead Teacher

About the role

The Lead Teacher will ensure that all children reach developmentally appropriate milestones through the implementation of evidence-based curricula, individualized support, and high-quality learning environments. They will focus on preparing children for kindergarten and life success, while meeting or exceeding Head Start Performance Standards and site-specific funding regulations.

Responsibilities

• Understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Oversee additional teachers and volunteers in the classroom.
• Promote high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom leading to children’s school readiness.
• Provide responsive care to all children through individualized planning, instruction, and supervision.
• Plan and establish an environment that fosters trusting and accepting relationships between children and adults.
• Design and execute a developmentally appropriate and integrated curriculum that provides opportunities for meaningful exploration.
• Prepare and organize materials and resources needed for daily lessons, activities, and projects.
• Set up and maintain an inviting and conducive learning environment, including the arrangement of learning centers and displays.
• Conduct small group activities under the guidance of the Education Director to reinforce lesson concepts and provide additional support.
• Monitor and assess student progress during small group sessions, noting feedback for the student’s development.
• Work one-on-one with students who may require extra assistance, ensuring they receive personalized attention to meet their specific learning needs.
• Collaborate with the assisting teacher to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and accommodate students with diverse abilities.
• Support the team in maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom environment by reinforcing classroom rules and expectations.
• Address behavioral challenges using positive reinforcement strategies and seek guidance from the team or school administration.
• Support the integration of technology tools into the curriculum, helping students with educational software, and managing technology resources within the classroom.
• Collect, analyze, and report on data related to student progress and classroom activities to inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate and attend all agency offered trainings, workshops, In-Service days, and/or All-Staff conferences.
• Maintain certification requirements and proof of attendance in professional activities.
• Complete all Early Childhood required trainings.
• Participate in self-assessment and reflection coaching experiences such as completing self-assessment surveys, video recording, coaching, and collaboration sessions.
• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements, teacher child/ratios, and CPR/first aid, Child Abuse Mandate, Foundations for Health and Safety, Blood Borne Infection and Mental Health First Aid certification.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children aligned to CDC, DOHMH and ECERS guidance.
• Abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Special circumstances: For DOE-funded 3-K or Pre-K classrooms, candidates must hold at minimum a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and commit to obtaining the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Initial Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) within three years of hire.
• Additional requirements: Depending on the Lead Teacher level, candidates must meet specific educational criteria and hold certain certifications.

Qualifications

• Bilingual in English/Spanish (written and verbal).
• Two years’ experience working with infants and toddlers, and children with special needs.
• Dedicated, excited, and passionate about teaching and learning with young children.
• A professional approach with effective communication skills.
• A reflective attitude towards own teaching practice and willingness to develop and increase capacity.
• Pre-K or Toddler CLASS Reliability Certificate preferred.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of child development and learning theories.
• Experience with technology integration in the classroom.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.

Benefits

Details on benefits will be provided upon interview.

Pay

$42,797/year - $77,159/year

Schedule

The incumbent is expected to work a flexible schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team.