Preschool Lead Teacher - Head Start Program (Full Year Program) - NEW BUILDING AND GREAT PAY/BENEFITS

Department: Early Childhood Development • Reports to: Center Manager • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

About the Role

Responsible for planning, implementation, and administration of a Head Start classroom, including daily operation, supervision of staff and volunteers, and adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) regulations, the Head Start Performance Standards, and the Head Start Act (OHS) regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform the functions of lead teacher with a strong understanding of Head Start performance standards and component plans, and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate practices.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, adjusting as needed to meet the needs of the children.
• Mentor, train, and coach assistant teachers in developmentally appropriate practices following policies and procedures.
• Prepare and conduct bi-monthly and annual evaluations of assistant teachers.
• Train and work with assistant teaching staff to improve scores on the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS), and Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
• Meet with assistant teachers twice monthly for documented supervision covering classroom observations, policies and procedures, teamwork, Professional Development Plans (PDPs), CLASS, ECERS, QRIS, and Teaching Strategies Gold outcomes.
• Support the Professional Development Plan (PDP) for assistant teachers based on individual educational and professional needs and observations.
• Ensure assistant teachers comply with program policies, hold necessary case conferences, and document appropriately.
• Provide guidance and direction to assistant teachers through daily contact and team meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Prioritize safety in all job responsibilities.
• Exhibit warm, positive, and respectful interactions with all children.
• Provide a developmentally appropriate atmosphere and maintain a healthy, safe, and clean learning environment.
• Maintain ongoing communication with parents through phone contacts, parent conferences, and home visits to discuss child development and progress, assist parents in developing observational skills, and solicit parent observations.
• Incorporate CLASS and ECERS guidelines into daily teaching practices.
• Complete weekly lesson plans including individualizations based on children’s assessment outcomes.
• Provide activities addressing all areas of development for the whole child (cognitive, social/emotional, language, fine/gross motor).
• Ensure all educational activities are sensitive to the cultural needs of families.
• Maintain a print-rich environment with labels, pictures, and schedules in several languages.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom and ensure playground safety.
• Identify and prioritize materials and equipment needed in classrooms and playgrounds, coordinating with the center manager for purchases.
• Ensure compliance with OHS, DEEC regulations, Emergency Management Plan, USDA, and city and state regulations.
• Ensure service delivery aligns with the Lynn Economic Opportunity (LEO) mission statement.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios; act as a teacher in other classrooms or programs and as a bus monitor when needed.
• In collaboration with the family service worker, conduct at least two home visits per year, parent/teacher conferences, and maintain up-to-date records for each child while preserving confidentiality.
• Maintain and submit program documentation as required by DEEC and OHS.
• Use Cap-60 and assessment computer programs.
• Complete all screenings and assessments of children as required by DEEC and OHS.
• Attend all trainings required by Head Start Performance Standards and DEEC Regulations.
• Attend assigned and approved trainings, conferences, and workshops.
• Identify other educational opportunities to enhance overall Center/Head Start knowledge.
• Assist in preparing food for parent events, Board events, and other LEO-sponsored events.
• Perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the 90-day orientation.
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Working towards or have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Must meet DEEC Lead Teacher qualifications.
• Knowledge of DEEC and OHS regulations.
• Experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, and bilingual education.

Skills

• Strong time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including internet, email, Excel, and the ability to learn new systems.
• Positive work ethic.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.