Head Start Lead Teacher

South Central Community Action Program•Bloomington, IN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher plans and implements a weekly and ongoing developmentally appropriate plan for a group of three to five year old children with individualized considerations for each child, while managing the classroom and exceeding federal Head Start Standards, State Childcare Licensing Regulations and local grant goals/objectives. Will act as a resource, advisor and advocate to parents in the areas of child development, health, education and community resources. The Lead Teacher will treat all individuals with dignity and respect, make necessary referrals for clients and exemplify SCCAP’s commitment to empowering people to reach their potential.

Requirements

Must have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, email and have the ability to perform mathematical operations.
Must have the demonstrated ability to direct the activities of others, provide training and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Bilingual speaking ability a plus.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle with required liability insurance for use in business related travel.
Must be able to work at various sites under different supervisors.
Must ensure efficient operations and present a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.
Must be philosophically compatible with the mission of SCCAP.
Must be able to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification (SCCAP will provide the training) within 60 days of employment.
Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally to attend to daily work demands, meetings, workshops, and conferences.
Free from Child Abuse and Neglect
Annual TB test
Pre-employment drug test & physical examination certification
Ability to use departmental equipment, tools, and materials.
Ability to exert physical effort in light to moderate work involving lifting (up to 50 pounds), carrying, pushing, and pulling; ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; ability to climb and balance, tasks require perception and discrimination. Requires a normal range of hearing and vision.
Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis. Requires ability to set priorities and work schedule yet adjust to changes necessitated by last minute assignments and deadline requests that may prove stressful. A consistent pleasant attitude is necessary with personal maturity as an important attribute. Must relate and interact with people at all levels of the company and in a culturally diverse environment.

Responsibilities

Will not leave children unattended or unsupervised in accordance with SCCAP policies and procedures.
Ensures reporting of any and all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, as required by law.
Visits children’s families two to five times per year depending on the program the child is in.
Assists and encourages families with open communication and involvement, while acting as a positive role model for parents and children to respect the culture and background of families.
Must do at least two parent teacher conferences per year with appropriate documentation.
Plans and adapts curriculum in the classroom to address and meet individual goals of children as identified in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP).
Prepares attendance records, first aid/injury reports, food service records, meal participation records, family contact reports, memos, correspondence and other job-related documents using prescribed format and conforming to all rules and punctuation, grammar, diction and style.
Conducts and documents weekly anecdotes, observations, and assessments with a minimum of two per child each week.
Plans, organizes and conducts field trips utilizing the community as an extension of the classroom.
Prepares and distributes monthly newsletters to parents and families.
Conducts classroom inventories and prepares list of needed supplies.
Interacts and provides feedback to all component coordinators.
Supervises, evaluates and mentors Teacher Assistants and/or Aides.
Prepares and/or serves meals and snacks; sitting with children to encourage social interaction, performs housekeeping tasks.
Provides opportunities for children and families to participate in family literacy services.
Maintains current and accurate records of family interactions including home visits, conferences, family action plans, needs assessments, etc.
Prepares and distributes monthly newsletter to parents and families.
Carries out positive discipline practices in accordance with South Central Community Action Program, Inc. policies and procedures.
Follows all regulations and requirements as dictated by SCCAP policy, State Childcare Licensing Requirements, CACFP, Early Head Start Performance Standards, and Paths to Quality.