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

LEO•Lynn, MA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

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 as well as the Head Start Act (OHS) regulations. This role involves performing the functions of a lead teacher with a strong understanding of Head Start performance standards and component plans, and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices. The Lead Teacher mentors, trains, and coaches assistant teachers, conducts evaluations, and works with them to improve scores on assessment tools like CLASS, ECERS, and QRIS. They also support assistant teachers' Professional Development Plans and ensure compliance with program policies. Maintaining confidentiality and ensuring safety are paramount. The position requires fostering a warm, positive, and respectful environment for children.

Requirements

Successful completion of the 90-day orientation
Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Have or working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Must meet DEEC Lead Teacher qualifications
Knowledge of DEEC and OHS regulations
Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy, and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, and bilingual education
Strong time management skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong computer skills, including internet, email, excel and the ability to learn new systems as required
Positive work ethic

Responsibilities

Perform the functions of lead teacher position with a strong understanding of the Head Start performance standards and the 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, which at times may require changes 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 teacher
Train/work with assistant teaching staff on an ongoing basis to raise the scores of the following tools: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) and Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)
Meets with Assistant Teacher /Teacher 2x each month for documented supervision meetings where the following topics will be covered: review of classroom observations, policies and procedures, teamwork, Professional Development Plans (PDPs), CLASS, ECERS, QRIS, Teaching Strategies Gold outcomes
Supports the PDP for assistant teacher/teacher based on individual educational and professional needs and observations
Ensures assistant teacher is compliant with program policies and are working together to hold necessary case conferences and documenting appropriately
Provides guidance and direction to assistant teacher through daily contact and team meetings
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements
Ensures safety is a priority in performing all job responsibilities
Exhibits warm, positive and respectful interactions with all of the children in their care
Provides developmentally appropriate atmosphere
Maintain a healthy, safe and clean learning environment
Maintain ongoing interaction/communication with parents in order to best meet needs of child and family
Use phone contacts, parent conferences and home visits to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations
Incorporate CLASS and ECERS guidelines into daily teaching practices
Completes weekly lesson plan including individualizations based upon outcomes of all children's assessments
Provide activities meeting all areas of development for the whole child (cognitive, social/emotional, language, fine/gross motor)
Ensure that all educational activities are sensitive to the cultural needs of the families
Maintain a print rich environment including labels, pictures, and schedules in several languages
Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe
Identify and prioritize materials and equipment needed in classrooms and playgrounds, and coordinate with center manager in making purchases order
Ensure compliance with OHS and DEEC regulations, Emergency Management Plan, as well as compliance with USDA and city and state regulations
Ensure that service delivery is performed according the Lynn Economic Opportunity (LEO) mission statement
Ensures appropriate staff to child ratios and will act as a teacher in other classrooms or programs and act as a bus monitor when needed
In collaboration with family service worker, conduct at least 2 home visits per year, parent/teacher conferences, maintain up to date records for each child and maintain 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 as well as DEEC Regulations
Attend trainings, conferences and workshops as assigned and approved by immediate supervisor
Identify other educational opportunities that enhance overall Center/Head Start knowledge
Assists in prepares food for parent events, Board events and other events sponsored by LEO for its programs
Performs other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor