Early Education Program LEAD TEACHER (PRESCHOOL)

South Shore Stars•Weymouth, MA

About The Position

The Lead Teacher oversees the education of children in the classroom by developing an environment and curriculum that supports optimal development. In collaboration with the Center Director, the Lead Teacher plans and implements center programs and supervises and supports classroom staff. The Lead Teacher may assume responsibility for the center when the Center Director is absent. This is a full-year, full-time position with a guaranteed 40 hours per week. The workday is 8½ hours with one unpaid ½-hour break. The shift may change based on program needs. This is a physically active, non-sedentary position.

Requirements

DEEC Lead Teacher Preschool Certification.
Two years of preschool teaching experience.
Knowledge of and familiarity with the Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences and Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
Ability to successfully complete the responsibilities of the position.
Warm and nurturing personality.
Good interpersonal and communication skills, including strong written and verbal communication.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
Demonstrated classroom management skills and understanding of, and commitment to, developmentally appropriate practice.
Knowledge of child assessment and ability to use assessment data to develop and implement individual plans.
Demonstrated ability to supervise classroom team members.
Commitment to the agency’s mission of supporting low-income families and at-risk children.
Ability to lift at least 40 pounds and work in a non-sedentary environment.

Nice To Haves

DEEC Lead Teacher Infant/Toddler Certification.
A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, or a bachelor’s degree in another field with 36 ECE credits.
Knowledge of and familiarity with the Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum based on child assessment data.
Oversee ongoing child assessments using agency-provided tools and support other classroom staff in using them.
Develop and implement individual plans for children based on assessment data, including accommodation plans in consultation with the Center Director, Family Support Clinicians, and others when developmental concerns arise.
Develop and implement successful teaching strategies and create a classroom environment that supports all children’s social and emotional development.
Organize and maintain a stimulating, nurturing classroom environment that complies with licensing, accreditation, and agency standards.
Supervise, monitor, and interact with children throughout the day to maintain their safety and build warm, nurturing relationships.
Maintain required documentation of classroom activities, children’s progress, and family communications in compliance with applicable standards.
Oversee required family and progress reports, hold family conferences, and provide daily communication, bi-weekly reports, newsletters, initial adjustment reports, and developmental reports every three months.
Meet with parents or guardians at least every three months regarding their child’s development and encourage their involvement in planning for their child and classroom activities.
Develop and implement activities that link home and classroom experiences; refer family concerns to the Director and share observations about parent-child interactions.
Serve as classroom team leader and role model; plan and facilitate regular teaching-team curriculum meetings and provide ongoing supervision of classroom staff.
Complete teacher and teacher-assistant performance evaluations with the Center Director, including professional development plans, and support staff in reaching their goals.
Assist the Center Director with orienting and supervising volunteers and student interns.
Develop an annual Professional Development Plan and an annual Classroom Action Plan using program evaluation and child assessment data, and lead work toward Action Plan goals.
Attend required staff, team, curriculum, training, and supervision meetings; participate in and facilitate team, curriculum, and other classroom meetings.
Help organize and attend center family meetings and other center events.
Assist with food preparation and cleanup and participate in mealtimes.
Follow agency policies and procedures and complete required documentation.
Work a flexible schedule as program needs require and perform other assigned duties.