Lead Teacher

About the role

Human Services Association (HSA) is a private nonprofit agency whose principal mission is to provide families with compassionate and comprehensive care to promote wellness and build strong communities. HSA was founded in Bell Gardens in 1940 and today serves over 20,000 clients annually on a non-sectarian basis with a range of services that addresses the unique and shared needs of clients of all ages. The Early Childhood Education Department provides services to 600 children over three distinct programs (Early Head Start, Head Start and State Preschool) at ten school sites.

Position Summary

Under the general direction and supervision of the Education Specialist, the Lead Teacher fulfills the role of the person responsible for the site as defined by Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Oversees the daily operation of the site where care is given to young children and services are provided to their families. This position is responsible for the daily activities of the center staff, the daily program for children, their families, and interacts with parents and volunteers including center meetings and facilitating interactions among staff.

Responsibilities

• Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure compliance with Title 22, Head Start Performance Standards, Title V, Licensing regulations, and Agency Policies.
  • Ensure center safety for children, parents, and staff.
  • Maintain a safe, nurturing, interactive, and orderly environment.
  • Maintain adult-child ratios; substitute as needed.
  • Ensure all children are signed in/out daily.
  • Conduct daily health checks and monthly emergency drills.
  • Record and report illnesses, accidents, and suspected child abuse.
  • Develop and maintain zoning plans for supervision.
  • Ensure cleanliness of classroom and bathrooms.
  • Ensure documentation (e.g., Incident Reports, Child Abuse Reports) is completed and submitted on time.
• Educational Program & Curriculum
  • Ensure lesson plans, DRDP, ASQ, observations, etc., are completed on time.
  • Design and plan daily programs with teaching staff.
  • Monitor and participate in classroom activities.
  • Individualize lesson plans per child.
  • Implement curriculum supporting school readiness.
  • Implement nutritional and healthy activities.
  • Record and monitor educational files and assessments.
  • Attend IEP/IFSP and Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings.
  • Make adaptations for children with disabilities, cultural backgrounds, and home languages.
• Staff Supervision & Coordination
  • Meet with staff to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Facilitate site and team meetings, as needed.
  • Provide input into evaluation of staff by communicating success and areas for improvement to the Supervisor.
  • Participate in staff conferences and conflict resolution, as needed.
  • Train and coordinate parent and community volunteers at the site, as needed.
• Parent & Community Engagement
  • Establish positive interactions with parents.
  • Involve parents in classroom and home educational activities.
  • Ensure communication between teachers and parents.
  • Plan and coordinate home visits and parent conferences.
  • Attend and prepare for monthly parent center meetings.
  • Participate in at least 2 recruitment/community events.
  • Represent HSA at community/professional functions.
• Administrative & Operational Tasks
  • Select and order classroom materials.
  • Ensure proper documentations are posted, per regulations.
  • Record and total meal counts, milk counts, and attendance.
  • Remain at center for late pick-ups, as needed.
  • Report to work on time and maintain good attendance.
  • Participate positively in all program activities.
  • Complete and submit all required documents timely.
• Professional Conduct & Development
  • Model the Standard of Conduct Policy.
  • Communicate respectfully and culturally sensitively.
  • Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff.
  • Promote the mission and philosophy of HSA.
  • Attend meetings, trainings, and professional development.
  • Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Department Director.

Requirements

• At least Two (2) years experience with children, ages 0-5, in a group care setting (350 days of three hours or within four years, must include at least 100 days of supervising adults in a child care and development program.
• Knowledge in Child growth and development and Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise a child development center.
• Principles of Supervision, Training and Performance Evaluation.
• Be knowledgeable in the implementation of education program policies and procedures.
• Ability to train and supervise classroom teachers, assistants and volunteers.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds, and those with disabilities and special needs.
• Ability to keep accurate records and in a timely manner.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Organized and able to successfully meet daily objectives; have the ability to lead team atmosphere; have mediation and negotiation skills; possess effective conflict resolution skills.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using correct English (spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation).
• Effective oral and written communication; Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in related field with 24 units of ECE, 3 Units of Infant/Toddler, + 3 units supervised field experience and possession of a Site Supervisor Permit or higher.
• Two years’ experience in an instructional capacity in a child development program with at least one year in a supervisory role preferred.
• Knowledge and experience working with Head Start Performance Standards, Title V, Title 22, CACFP Regulations and other State and Federal Regulations.

Licensing/Certification Requirements

• Possess or meet requirements for Site Supervisor Permit or higher.
• Occasional driving is required. Must provide own vehicle, valid California driver license and proof of full insurance coverage.
• First Aid certification, Child CPR certification.
• Health screening:
  • Physical
  • Negative tuberculosis screen (TB) (required)
  • TDAP or DTAP clearance (required)
  • MMR Clearance (required)
• Criminal background check using the Live Scan fingerprinting method in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Work in moderate noise levels and non-smoking environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds independently.
• Frequently involves sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending, and climbing stairs (as needed).
• Occasionally may be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must be able to speak and hear clearly to communicate effectively.
• Constantly operates a computer, keyboard, and other various office machinery.
• Majority of job duties are performed onsite; however, visits to different sites may be required.
• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay

$29.00 - $34.00 per hour

Schedule

Full-Time, 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM