Head Start Lead Teacher (Preschool) Rm E, (35 hrs/wk school year), ($26.84-$31.89)

Community Action Pioneer Valley, Inc.•Westfield, MA

17d•$27 - $32

About The Position

The Lead Teacher is responsible for overall classroom operations in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, Department of Early Education and Care regulations, National Association for the Education of Young Children criteria, and Massachusetts Department of Education frameworks. The role works with parents and community members to implement individualized School Readiness goals and ensures adequate bus monitor coverage for the bus route. The position supervises teachers, teacher assistants, and teacher assistant/bus monitors. The role is based at an assigned location in the HS&ELP Education department and is non-exempt. Remote work may be assigned by the supervisor; when working remotely, the employee is expected to be available for meetings, calls, email, and regular duties during standard service or agency hours. Employment is contingent on required background checks, fingerprinting and other applicable screening, evidence of a physical exam, MMR and TB verification, and evidence of a good driving record and eligibility for coverage under the agency vehicle policy.

Requirements

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, and active enrollment in a baccalaureate program.
One year of experience in an appropriate early childhood setting.
EEC Lead Teacher certification for the appropriate age group of the assigned classroom.
Basic computer skills, including use of a mouse, email, and Microsoft Office.
Excellent verbal communication skills, in person and by phone, and excellent written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Understanding of data capture and tracking methods.
Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic diversity and the needs of individuals with low incomes.
Ability to drive a personal vehicle and program vehicles as needed.
Satisfactory required background checks and fingerprinting-based national and state criminal history checks.
Evidence of a physical exam within the past year and verification of MMR vaccinations and TB status; subsequent physical exam documentation is required every two years.
Evidence of a good driving record and ability to be covered under Community Action’s non-owned and hired vehicle policy.
Ability to meet physical demands including frequent sitting, standing, walking, and stair climbing; bending, floor activities, lifting young children ages 2 months to 5 years, and lifting or moving up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

Operate the classroom in accordance with applicable Head Start, EEC, NAEYC, and Massachusetts Department of Education standards and frameworks.
Complete and maintain the EEC Professional Qualifications Registry and an Individual Professional Development Plan.
Obtain and maintain CPR and Emergency Pediatric First Aid certification according to EEC regulations.
Maintain current knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, EEC regulations, HS & ELP service delivery, and NAEYC criteria.
Ensure appropriate supervision of children and implement protocols for their care in the classroom and on the bus.
Maintain healthy and safe environments for young children.
Provide ongoing supervision and guidance to teaching staff, including monthly observations and oversight of volunteers and interns as assigned.
Ensure completion of weekly curriculum, child anecdotal records, child assessments, home visits, and family conferences.
Engage families in creating school readiness goals for children.
Work with program and community specialists to implement goals through the program's case management system.
Ensure adequate bus monitor coverage and fill in as bus monitor when needed, including completing daily passenger logs and pre- and post-trip bus inspections.
Cover other classrooms as needed.
When assigned remote work, remain available for meetings, calls, email, and regular duties during standard service or agency hours.
Follow the HS & ELP Standard of Conduct and agency confidentiality policies.
Attend appropriate program workshops and meetings, including site Family Meetings.
Maintain good working relationships with other staff members.