Lead Teacher - $2000 Hiring Bonus

COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY•Jackson, MI

12d•$21 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher plans and implements a preschool classroom in compliance with Head Start, GSRP, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) licensing requirements. The role follows agency policies and procedures with minimal direct supervision and works with program staff and community partners to fulfill Head Start/GSRP and Community Action Agency objectives. The Lead Teacher directs classroom operations, including leading a teacher assistant and childcare aide in daily activities for preschool children. The position establishes a developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive classroom; collaborates on lesson planning and child assessment while remaining responsible for accurate implementation and documentation; and supports children's development through observation and individualized approaches. The Lead Teacher also facilitates staff and volunteer growth, participates in team and child-support meetings, maintains confidentiality and required paperwork, and works with colleagues to encourage parent participation and plan family engagement activities. Responsibilities include supervising children, supporting toileting and clothing changes, modeling positive mealtime habits, and maintaining professional conduct. The role may involve evening family engagement functions. Applicants must pass required background checks and provide proof of a physician-signed physical exam confirming capability to perform essential duties, or obtain a physical through the agency's provider. A negative TB test from within the last 12 months or before starting is required.

Requirements

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
Must pass all required background checks.
Provide proof of a physical exam signed by a licensed physician confirming capability to perform essential duties, or obtain a physical through the agency's provider.
Provide a negative TB test dated within the last 12 months or before starting the position.
Reliable transportation throughout the workday.
Competency in reading, mathematics, verbal communication, and written communication.
Computer literacy and ability to demonstrate computer skills.
Knowledge of community resources, organizational and time-management skills, and ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
Independent judgment to complete routine tasks; ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with people of different economic levels, cultures, and capabilities; and ability to mediate and diffuse difficult situations.
Ability to work in classrooms and home situations that may not be handicap accessible and in all types of weather.
Ability to participate in classroom activities involving bending, stooping, squatting, walking, lifting 50 pounds or more at times, brisk walking, and running when necessary; ability to work in an environment with elevated noise levels.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education.
Two years of experience working with children in a preschool classroom setting.
Creative Curriculum and TS Gold experience.
Valid age-appropriate Michigan teaching certificate.
An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered at the CEO’s discretion.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement a preschool classroom in compliance with Head Start, GSRP, and MDHHS licensing requirements and agency procedures.
Direct classroom operations and lead a teacher assistant and childcare aide in facilitating daily activities.
Establish a developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive classroom environment that supports children’s development and meets Creative Curriculum, NAEYC, Head Start/GSRP, and CLASS requirements.
Collaborate with the classroom team to clean and organize the classroom.
Develop individualized lesson plans with a balance of child-initiated and adult-initiated activities; ensure accurate implementation.
Collaborate with the team to assess children using the assessment system; ensure accurate data implementation and ongoing documentation.
Build positive, respectful relationships with children and individualize support using observations and assessment data.
Direct and facilitate classroom staff and volunteers in ways that promote their growth and development.
Adapt to changes in staffing and program requirements throughout the workday and year.
Participate in team meetings, case conferences, education plans, and IEP meetings.
Maintain confidentiality and complete required agency paperwork accurately and on time, assisting team members as needed.
Work cooperatively with colleagues to promote parent participation and plan, organize, and implement family engagement activities, which may include evening functions.
Support children with trauma histories, behavioral health concerns, or disability service needs.
Supervise children at all times using a calm, patient, and approachable manner; maintain and communicate accurate child counts with team members.
Represent the agency professionally and positively in all settings, including social media.
Work with the team to assist children with toileting and changing clothes.
Sit with children during meals and model nutritional habits, family-style serving, manners, and conversation.