Lead Head Start Teacher 3-5
About The Position
Mary Crane Center is seeking a Lead Teacher for its Head Start program serving children ages 3–5. The role involves designing and implementing developmentally appropriate lessons that support children’s intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth, while fostering family partnerships and parent involvement to help prepare children for future success. New hires are eligible for a $1,500 sign-on bonus. The Lead Teacher oversees classroom learning and routines, assesses and documents children’s development, communicates with families, and supervises assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers. The position also includes collaboration with program staff on curriculum and quality, maintaining a safe and organized classroom, and travel between agency sites as needed. The work takes place in a busy, child-focused environment with moderate to high noise levels and includes physical activities such as lifting, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Gateways ECE Credential Level 5, or a Registered Professional Educator License (PEL) with Early Childhood Endorsement.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Collaborative team player committed to quality early childhood education.
- Computer proficiency for documentation and communication.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and perform physical activities such as bending, kneeling, and reaching.
- Comfort working in a busy, child-focused environment with moderate to high noise levels.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons aligned with Head Start, NAEYC, and Creative Curriculum standards.
- Model positive behavior and use effective guidance techniques.
- Supervise and engage with children throughout daily routines and transitions.
- Promote family-style dining and healthy habits.
- Ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Conduct regular assessments using tools such as ESI-R, Creative Curriculum Checklists, and Ages & Stages Questionnaires.
- Maintain anecdotal records, portfolios, and documentation panels.
- Prepare and organize materials and coordinate enriching field trips.
- Communicate regularly with families through conferences, home visits, and daily updates.
- Encourage family involvement in classroom and program activities.
- Advocate for children and families and connect them to community resources.
- Supervise assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers, providing guidance and feedback.
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and agency committees.
- Collaborate with the Site Director, Education Coordinators, and Head Start staff on program quality and curriculum planning.
- Keep classrooms clean, organized, and stimulating.
- Routinely sanitize toys, equipment, and surfaces.
- Monitor and maintain classroom supplies and safety.
- Travel between agency sites for meetings, trainings, and classroom support as needed.
Benefits
- Access to medical insurance, with HMO and PPO options.
- Access to dental insurance, with DPPO options.
- Access to vision insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Employee wellness programs.
- Ongoing training and professional growth opportunities.
- $1,500 sign-on bonus for new hires.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
