Lead Teacher, Head Start

SOUTH MIDDLESEX OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL • Marlborough, MA

8d • $23 - $26

About The Position

The Lead Teacher provides a nurturing classroom and plans and implements developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage the whole child. The role supports children’s readiness through social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and language activities; establishes and maintains a safe, healthy learning environment; and encourages family involvement to strengthen relationships among children, families, and the community. Head Start follows a public-school calendar.

The Lead Teacher runs and facilitates the classroom, supporting and challenging each child’s development while maintaining program compliance and a positive team environment. The position includes observing and documenting children’s behavior and development, supporting individual and group needs, maintaining classroom supplies and records, and communicating with families and staff. The role directly reports to the Satellite Director and indirectly reports to the Division Director. Teachers and Teacher Aides report directly to this position.

The position works Monday through Friday on a variable shift between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, for 35 hours per week. A successful background check is required. The Lead Teacher may have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Requirements

• EEC Lead PS Teacher certificate.
• Must be comfortable working with diverse backgrounds and able to communicate effectively with children, families, and co-workers.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within the timeframe required by EEC licensing.
• Must be able to handle the physical aspects of the position, including lifting a child.
• Provide proof of a physical exam within the last year indicating good health and meeting EEC requirements, and submit proof of a physical exam every two years thereafter.
• Successful background check required.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field preferred.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.
• Priority is given to past or present Head Start parents for positions for which they are qualified in the Head Start program.

Responsibilities

• Follow SMOC Child Care and Head Start philosophy, regulations, and performance standards applicable to the assigned classroom, including EEC, Head Start, NAEYC, and QRIS requirements.
• Run and facilitate the classroom and prepare and implement a learning environment that supports and challenges each child’s development.
• Maintain classroom compliance and create a positive environment for the team.
• Participate in staff growth and development opportunities.
• Communicate regularly with the Teacher, Lead Teacher, and/or Supervisor and share pertinent information promptly.
• Observe and record children’s behavior to assess skills and plan for individual and group needs; recognize concerns, assist with interventions or referrals, and participate in conferences.
• Assess classroom needs for equipment, materials, and supplies and report them to the Lead Teacher and/or Supervisor.
• Keep classroom space, equipment, materials, and supplies safe, healthy, clean, and orderly.
• Assist with accurate and timely reports, records, and other required classroom documentation.
• Follow health and safety policies and procedures.
• Attend required staff meetings, workshops, trainings, committee meetings, and parent functions.
• Complete mandatory Reporter (51A) training.
• Maintain accurate daily attendance records in Child Plus and required paper forms, including sign-in/sign-out information, absence reasons, and attendance notes, within established timelines and in compliance with Head Start, EEC, CACFP, and program requirements.
• Maintain positive and supportive family relationships through calls, conferences, home visits, arrival and departure interactions, and communication about volunteer opportunities.
• Actively supervise children at all times.
• Engage clients by understanding and addressing their needs, including needs outside the scope of work.
• Attend and participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with families and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee, and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Comply with program, department, agency, and funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full-time employees can accrue up to three weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year.
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D and long-term disability for full-time employees.
• Medical plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA employer cost-sharing program, dental plans with orthodontic coverage, and EyeMed vision insurance for full-time employees.
• 403(B) retirement plan with a company match starting on day one for full-time and part-time employees.
• Voluntary term and whole life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness coverage, hospital indemnity, and short-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed