Head Start Lead Teacher (318)

Lutheran Services Florida • Fort Walton Beach, FL

4d

About The Position

The Lead Teacher serves as the lead worker in a Head Start or Early Head Start classroom, planning and implementing educational activities for preschool-aged children or infants and toddlers in accordance with federal performance standards. The role participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts and supports children’s development, safety, and kindergarten readiness through classroom instruction, assessment, family engagement, and coordination with program staff.

The Lead Teacher plans and implements daily lessons, arranges classroom learning areas, assesses children’s developmental and educational needs, and maintains ongoing portfolios and required records. The role supervises children during classroom routines, meals, restroom use, playground activities, and field trips; conducts health checks; and helps maintain safe, clean facilities. The teacher communicates with families about children’s progress and coordinates with parents, volunteers, and other program staff. The position also supports children with special needs, including ordering relevant supplies and assisting with transportation as needed.

The position requires an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, or an associate degree in another subject with equivalent early-childhood coursework and preschool teaching experience. Required state childcare training and VPK coursework must be completed according to the stated timelines. First Aid and CPR certification is required within 90 days of hire, and successful background, health, TB, and drug screenings are required before hiring. Two years of relevant teaching experience is required. The role requires the ability to lift at least 45 pounds and provide physical assistance to children with special needs.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education; or an associate degree in another subject plus coursework equivalent to a major related to Early Childhood Education and experience teaching preschool-aged children.
• For equivalent early-childhood coursework, at least 18 semester credits in courses specifically addressing young children, such as child development, early childhood education and curriculum, teaching and assessment, psychology, family development, health and physical development, mathematics, science, or children’s literature.
• Completion of required State Childcare Training, including an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers certificate.
• Proof of successful completion of 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months of hire, subject to the stated enrollment and completion timelines based on date of entry into the childcare industry.
• Completion of all state-mandated Voluntary Prekindergarten courses.
• Two years of experience teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool, or kindergarten-age children.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful Level II background screening and health, TB, and drug screenings before hiring.
• Working knowledge of brain development and its impact on early learning.
• Working knowledge of typical and atypical child development from birth to age five.
• Working knowledge of early-childhood culture and practices, developmentally appropriate practices, behavior modification theories and practices, and current early-childhood educational techniques.
• Skill in applying supervisory techniques, making group presentations, communicating verbally with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, and resolving conflicts between preschool-aged children.
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others and to plan, organize, and conduct early-childhood education programs.
• Ability to implement responsive routine care for infants and toddlers.
• Ability to remain seated on the floor or bent or kneeling for extended periods.
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to prepare and maintain work-related reports and files.
• Ability to handle confidential information, use a computer and related software, and follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid and implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others and provide physical assistance in transporting children with special needs.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English and Spanish, or English and another language present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans and enrichment activities that meet federal performance standards.
• Arrange classroom learning areas to promote an effective learning environment.
• Screen and assess children’s developmental and educational needs and develop and implement individual education plans.
• Supervise meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to maintain a safe environment.
• Monitor food service and supplies for adequate inventory.
• Document children’s progress and complete required manual and computerized forms and reports.
• Refer children to the Center Director by submitting required formal documents.
• Plan classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
• Attend and participate in workshops and meetings to acquire and share information.
• Communicate with parents about children’s progress, events, classroom activities, individual education plan changes, and other relevant matters through conferences, written correspondence, and telephone.
• Conduct health checks and report health concerns to the appropriate Health Coordinator.
• Ensure lessons and classroom activities align with Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards and conduct required VPK assessments.
• Support kindergarten readiness goals and achieve required classroom interaction and Teacher Success Rubric outcomes.
• Use active supervision techniques and maintain positive classroom behavior.
• Maintain a comprehensive portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences to discuss children’s development and progress, support parents’ observational skills, and solicit parent observations.
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect to the designated state agency.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee field trips for assigned children.
• Order supplies and equipment for children with special needs in the classroom.
• Assist with transporting children with special needs by lifting them into seats and fastening safety belts.
• Inspect classrooms and grounds for safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Review and forward accident and incident reports.
• Coordinate plans and discuss child and family concerns with other Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
• Perform First Aid and CPR as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 online access to doctors through telehealth.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Paid time off starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employee schedules may differ.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match, or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree