Head Teacher AA

E CENTER•Gridley, CA

5d•$26 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction and general supervision of the Center Director, the Head Teacher has primary responsibility for providing quality early childhood education experiences through a center-based program for a diverse population of children aged 3-5 years. This role provides support, guidance, and leadership for assistants and volunteers, and participates as a member of a teaching team that implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum. The Head Teacher supports agency Family Engagement goals, assists in maintaining support services for special needs children, and maintains a positive working relationship with supervisors, coworkers, and families. The position requires adherence to all Head Start Performance Standards, Agency and Program policies and procedures, and other applicable Federal and State regulations. Maintaining professional and ethical standards, including agency confidentiality policy, is crucial.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field which consists of a minimum of 24 ECE units in which 12 are required to be core units.
Must possess three or more units in child care administration.
Minimum two years’ experience working for a child development center- one year at teacher level.
At least one-year experience working in a supervisory role.
Must possess 24 units of ECE or Child Development course work.
Education must have previously included or must be able to successfully complete course work in child abuse, substance abuse and domestic violence within one year of date of hire.
Must have completed the California Child Care Preventative Health and Safety Class.
At least one-year prior experience as Head Teacher in preschool operations.
Ability to operate and drive in a vehicle for up to 2 hours.
Bachelor Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field which consists of a minimum of 24 ECE units in which 12 are required to be core units.
Two years experiences working in child development, social services or health related agency.
Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance manuals.

Responsibilities

Acts as onsite administrator per Community Care Licensing Regulations.
Supervises and evaluates staff as assigned.
Ensures completion of staff leave of absence or medical leave request forms, employee status changes, monitors staff break and lunch schedules, and monitors, updates, and approves employee timecards.
Completes employee check-ins including discussion of focal point review goals, assigns tasks, successes, and noted areas of concern.
Follows agency FRISK process for performance improvement.
Acts as a mentor and provides resources to subordinates.
Ensures timely completion and submission of purchase request and materials request forms to Center Director.
Performs recordkeeping, including written documentation, scheduled reports, and mandated reporting, in a timely, accurate, and confidential manner.
Communicates regularly with the Center Director and with other Program and Agency staff regarding the needs of children, families, and employees to ensure quality services.
Participates fully and works cooperatively as a team member; addresses complaints and works to resolve problems effectively and efficiently.
Enforces the Agency Safety Program.
Acts in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Federal, State, and Local regulations pertaining to the safe and healthy operation of a child care center.
Ensures that the classroom/play yard environments meet health and safety standards established by the program and is in compliance with State and Federal regulations.
Facilitates and participates in implementation of curriculum and in development of activities.
Individualizes activities based on child’s strengths and areas of growth.
Administers developmental screenings and assessments, conducts observations, maintains portfolios, and shares outcomes with families.
Conducts four educational conferences, two in the home and two at the site during the program year.
Through screening process assists with identification of possible special needs and/or mental health support.
Implements Individualized Education Plans and/or Child and Family Consultant recommendations.
Provides opportunities for children to socialize, interact, and cooperate with one another.
Provides developmentally appropriate activities and designs classroom interest areas that promote language and literacy, physical, social/emotional, and cognitive growth for children, which enhances overall approaches to learning.
Models successful early childhood teaching strategies and techniques and encourages positive interactions among staff, children, parents, and with community members.
Develops mutual expectations with parents for the experiences children will receive in the classroom.
Encourages parent participation and engagement in the classroom.
Provides education to parents on child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
Responsible for supporting parents in documentation and collection of educational and classroom in-kind and submits to supervisor.
Informs and encourages parents of family engagement opportunities.
Attends and participates in agency trainings, workshops, in-service, and staff meetings.
Participates in setting and achieving professional career development goals.
Participates in mentor/coaching process including videotaping by supervisor of classroom instruction.
Acts in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards in meeting health, nutrition, mental health, special needs, family services, and ERSEA requirements.
Serves as an interpreter and/or advocate when necessary for Head Start parents, including translation at parent center committee meetings, parent trainings, conferences, medical/dental appointments, and IEP meetings as needed.
Documents in child file for all content areas and contact with families is completed thoroughly and legibly.
Provides education to families on community resources.
Participates in supporting and attending monthly Parent Center Committee meetings as assigned.
May be required to provide translation for agency needs.
Collects and submits monthly education and volunteer in-kind forms to supervisor.
Compiles observations and work samples and updates children’s portfolios.
Ensures sanitation of classrooms materials and equipment.
Files family service, education, and health-related materials in files.
Makes attendance phone calls.
Maintains and updates parent bulletin boards.
Organizes and coordinates monthly parent center committee meetings, including supporting parent center committee officers.
Provides technical assistance to staff regarding Head Start practices and procedures as outlined in level II.
Acts as a mentor to classroom support staff and to Teacher II/III.