Lead Teacher - Head Start (Gosnell)

MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee)•San Marcos, CA

6d•$27 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

MAAC's Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) programs are federally funded school-readiness initiatives designed for low-income children and those with special needs, emphasizing the parent's role as the primary educator. MAAC serves a diverse population in North County, primarily of Latino/Hispanic ethnicity, providing comprehensive services for children aged 0-3 (EHS) and 3-5 (HS) to foster optimal physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The California State Preschool program within MAAC also offers educational and developmental services for qualifying children aged 3-5, encouraging parental involvement. Under direct supervision, the Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning, supervising, and implementing the educational program in alignment with MAAC Head Start's philosophy, policies, procedures, and state/federal regulations.

Requirements

Knowledge of early childhood education, child development, and anti-bias education.
Knowledge of local educational and community resources and their applicability in the classroom.
Knowledge of bilingual language acquisition.
Ability to speak, read, and write in English and Spanish is preferred.
Must have and maintain a State of California Child Development Teacher Level Permit or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential OR a current credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorizing teaching service in elementary school or a single subject credential in home economics.
Valid CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers certifications must be obtained within the first two months of employment and maintained throughout employment.
Must have a physical examination, TB clearance, and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC, as well as immunization records for influenza, pertussis, and measles prior to the first day of employment.
Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and an acceptable motor vehicle driving record.
Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Head Start policies and procedures is desirable.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaking, reading, and writing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement lesson plans using the approved Creative Curriculum to align with current program goals.
Utilize classroom materials and routines to create a learning environment suitable for the developmental levels, interests, and talents of the children.
Develop and maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.
Implement rules and practices that foster discipline in children.
Provide age-appropriate activities to promote children's social, physical, cognitive, creative development, and self-concept.
Facilitate ongoing interaction between families and providers to strengthen family-identified goals.
Develop and implement methods for utilizing classroom volunteers, aides, and parent volunteers.
Maintain and update written records and reports in a timely manner.
Foster an open and friendly relationship with staff, volunteers, and parents.
Conduct required Home Visits with primary caregivers.
Recognize individual child differences in growth, development, and needs, and develop individualized plans.
Collaborate with Head Start families on their identified needs, informing them of community resources, providing referrals, and assisting with appointment scheduling and follow-up services.
Integrate other Head Start components into the curriculum.
Provide client transportation as needed.
Work on the “Individual Family Plan” with each family, initiating at “Phase-In” and updating at least three times during the school year.
Lift, carry, and restrain children weighing 30-50 pounds as needed.
Ensure personalized special services are provided to children with special needs, including feeding, assistance with toileting (diapering, cauterization, urine bags), and physically carrying the child (specialized equipment training will be provided).
Integrate children with special needs into the classroom environment.
Meet with parents of children with special needs to discuss educational objectives and special needs services.
Perform related duties as assigned.