Lead Teacher/Center Director

About the role

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Responsibilities

• Plans and implements classroom activities based on the individual needs of the children and according to the appropriate level of the child.
• Provides a balanced program of open learning and structured activities.
• Ensures that the child development, disabilities, curriculum, and performance standards are strictly adhered to in all programs.
• Maintains classroom discipline using developmentally appropriate techniques.
• Promotes best practices in early childhood development based on Head Start Performance Standards, Creative Curriculum, and other prescribed curriculum used at Save the Children Head Start.
• Plans for and equips indoor and outdoor areas to meet children’s developmental and safety needs in accordance with budget.
• Affixes to Education Manager with the transition of Head Start children at your center.
• Participates in an individualized continuing education plan including CPR and First Aid.
• Conducts and documents home visits, conducts parent-teacher conferences as needed or required and plans family activities and encourages family involvement.
• Maintains documentation as required by agency.
• Participates in school readiness committee.
• Responsible for monthly safety checks, fire drills as well as updating of any safety logs.
• Investigates any child or staff incidents, assuring all forms are complete and notifying the appropriate supervisor.
• Attends IEP meetings as needed or requested.
• Receives and refers to verbal and written complaints to Family/Community Partnership Manager about the center while supporting the Parent/Community Complaint procedure at the center level.
• Develops and facilitates a positive community presence in the community, focusing on networking opportunities, enhancement of volunteer participation and educational awareness efforts about program needs.
• Responsible for monitoring and compliance with applicable local, state and federal rules, regulations and standards as well as with any state and federal contracts, health, safety and licensing regulations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Sends verbal and /or written reports to immediate supervisor or Head Start Director on the activities and status of the center on a regular basis and management team meetings.
• Maintains employee on-site file requirements and keeps them secure in locked files.
• Assists Family/Community Partnership Manager making sure all of the children’s files have correct/organized content and security.
• Contributes to the collection and edit processes of correct documentation for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
• Serves as co-chair of the School Readiness Team supporting the chair of the committee.
• Supports staff in ensuring that required screenings, assessments and overall individualization occur in classrooms.
• Provides constructive feedback and support to teaching staff for learning and growth. This may include but not limited to activities, reading material, or other resources needed to guide learning.
• Plans and presents small group workshops on relevant child development topics based on program monitoring outcomes.
• Arranges substitutes for center.
• Models and exercises supervisory authority to support other employees in the execution of work duties in a manner consistent with STC Head Start standards for compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including STC Head Start policies and procedures reflecting best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development or related field plus at least two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Proven work experience in a position that directly relates to the implementation and monitoring of program operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of program planning and practices in infant/toddler and preschool center-based programs’ thorough knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and best practices related to early childhood education.
• Proven knowledge of general business practices including supervision, accounts payable, inventory control, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels, whether internal or external.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, children and parents, and outside agencies.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Professional proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully oversee and operate the day-to-day program in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Demonstrated successful time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages used by children and families).

Additional Qualifications

• Physical Requirements related to essential functions: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding, and computer use.

Compensation

The base pay for this position starts at $53,770. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, experience, credentials, base salary of internal peers and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

About Us

We are looking to build an inclusive team at Save the Children. We offer a range of outstanding benefits to support this goal: Paid time off: 10 days winter break and 5 days spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays per year.Health: Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family. Employer paid short term disability and long-term disability benefits. Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Option to select HSA if enrolled into a High-Deductible Health Plan in which the company matches a portion of the contribution.Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Option to enroll in health care and dependent care options.Life: Agency paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits (AD&D).Family: Parental/adoption, fertility benefitsEmployee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employeesRetirement: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year)Wellness: Health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted eventsEmployee Assistance Program: Free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up servicesLearning & Growth: Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships. Certification and tuition assistance.