Lead Teacher

NORTH COAST CHILDRENS SERVICES•Arcata, CA

55d•$24 - $26

About The Position

The Lead Teacher develops and implements classroom activities and works closely with the Center Director/Teacher to coordinate services for children, families, and the program. The role maintains consistency in program rules, individualization for children, and program expectations. The position requires 12 core units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development, including 3 units in Infant/Toddler Development or Curriculum, and qualification at the Associate Teacher level on the Child Development Permit Matrix. The Lead Teacher plans and implements curriculum, creates a safe and stimulating classroom environment, supports children's development and daily routines, communicates with families and staff, and helps ensure effective program operations. The role also trains and directs classroom staff, volunteers, and parents, maintains confidentiality, and participates in required meetings and training. The position requires at least one year of preschool teaching experience, an Associate Teacher Permit on the Child Development Matrix, and the ability to meet specified health, safety, and physical requirements. An Associate-level degree is preferred for all programs and required for a Head Start classroom. Candidates must complete a health screening and provide proof of absence of TB within seven days after hire, and must have or obtain pediatric first aid and CPR certification within 30 days.

Requirements

Minimum of 12 core units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development, including 3 units in Infant/Toddler Development or Curriculum.
Minimum Associate Teacher Permit on the Child Development Matrix.
At least one year of teaching experience in a preschool setting.
Sensitivity to the needs and characteristics of young children and ability to relate well to staff, parents, and community members.
Working knowledge of childcare programs, child growth and development, and curriculum planning.
Ability to work with professionals and non-professionals from varied backgrounds.
Basic knowledge of first aid, child guidance techniques, communication skills, and child development.
Ability to handle classroom crisis situations calmly, maturely, and sensitively.
Ability to develop warm, open relationships with children, parents, and staff.
Successful completion of a health screening and proof of absence of TB no later than seven days after hire.
Physical ability to lift and carry children weighing up to 40 pounds.
Physical ability to bend, stoop, walk, reach overhead, push and pull, squat, twist, and turn.
Current pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR certificate, or willingness to obtain one within 30 days; training must be EMSA approved.
Documentation of 15 hours of Health and Safety training prescribed by Community Care Licensing; current first aid and CPR certificate hours count toward the requirement.
Current Criminal Record Clearance and Child Abuse Index Check on file with Community Care Licensing, or fingerprints and a Child Abuse Index Check provided before the first workday to obtain Department of Justice clearance.

Nice To Haves

Three units in Administration are desirable.
An Associate-level degree is preferred for all programs and required for a Head Start classroom.
One year of experience supervising at least one other staff person is desirable.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement daily curriculum in accordance with program guidelines, write and post weekly lesson plans, and plan and conduct field trips.
Develop plans and activities to meet the individual needs of each child and family in collaboration with other NCS staff.
Develop program components that are sensitive to each child's rights, needs, and cultural and socioeconomic background.
Create a safe, stimulating learning environment; assign staff to and share housekeeping duties.
Communicate program policies and procedures to parents, staff, and interested community members, and follow applicable funding terms and conditions.
Assist with recruiting children and families and, when the Center Director is absent, maintain daily and monthly attendance records as assigned.
Organize daily preparation time, prepare curriculum and activities, obtain materials and supplies, and set up the classroom to reflect the study, lesson, and children's interests.
Evaluate the daily program and each child's progress; assist with developmental screenings and maintain relevant child development assessments and records.
Perform other tasks needed for efficient program operation.
Assist children with self-help skills and daily routines, including toileting, dressing, eating, and napping.
Train and direct staff, volunteers, and parents working in the classroom.
Attend staff, parent, and community meetings as required.
Communicate relevant information about children's growth and development to parents and staff, partnering with Head Start staff for co-enrolled children, and maintain confidentiality of child and family information.
Use appropriate child guidance techniques and support children who experience difficulty in the group.
Assist with food program preparation, service, and cleanup when appropriate.
Screen children daily for health problems, contact parents if a child becomes ill or hurt, and administer first aid when needed.
Attend and participate in appropriate in-service and training programs.
Follow NCS Personnel Policies and procedures.
Complete required health screening and provide proof of absence of TB no later than seven days after hire.
Possess or obtain a current EMSA-approved pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR certificate within 30 days.
Provide documentation of 15 hours of Community Care Licensing-prescribed Health and Safety training; current first aid and CPR certificate hours count toward this requirement.
Maintain current Criminal Record Clearance and Child Abuse Index Check on file with Community Care Licensing, or provide fingerprints and a Child Abuse Index Check before the first workday to obtain clearance from the Department of Justice.