Head Start Lead Teacher (318)

Lutheran Services Florida • Fort Walton Beach, FL

5d

About The Position

The Lead Teacher serves as the lead worker in a Head Start or Early Head Start classroom. The role plans and implements educational activities for preschool-aged children or infants and toddlers in compliance with federal performance standards and participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts.

The Lead Teacher creates a safe, effective learning environment; assesses children’s development and educational needs; maintains required records and portfolios; communicates with families; and coordinates with program staff, volunteers, and community partners. The role also supports children’s health, safety, and readiness for kindergarten, including children with special needs.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education; or an associate’s degree in any subject, coursework equivalent to a major related to Early Childhood Education, and experience teaching preschool-aged children.
• For coursework equivalent to an Early Childhood Education major, at least 18 semester credits focused on areas such as child development, early childhood education and curriculum, teaching and assessment, psychology, family development, health and physical development, mathematics, science, and children’s literature, with coursework specifically addressing young children.
• Complete required state childcare training, including an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers certificate and 45 hours of Florida Child Care Facility Training within 12 months of hire; enroll in the 45-hour coursework within 90 days when applicable. All state-mandated VPK courses are also required.
• 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, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening before hire.
• Working knowledge of brain development and its impact on early learning; child development from birth to age five for typical and atypical children; early-childhood cultures and practices; developmentally appropriate practices; behavior modification; and current early-childhood education techniques and practices.
• Skills in applying supervisory techniques, making group presentations, communicating verbally with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, and resolving conflicts between preschool-age children.
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise others’ work; plan and conduct early-childhood education programs; and provide responsive routine care for infants and toddlers.
• Ability to assume seated, bent, or kneeling positions for extended periods.
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data; develop logical conclusions; communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare and maintain work-related reports and files; and handle confidential information.
• Ability to use a computer and related software, follow established procedures, administer CPR and First Aid, implement safety procedures, and work effectively with others.
• Ability to provide physical assistance in transporting children with special needs and safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans and educational and enrichment activities that meet federal performance standards and Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards.
• Arrange classrooms into learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.
• Screen and assess children, identify developmental and educational needs, and develop and implement individual education plans.
• Monitor meals, snacks, classroom and restroom activities, and playground activities to maintain a safe environment; monitor food service and supplies.
• Document children’s progress and complete required manual and computerized forms and reports.
• Submit formal referrals for children to the Center Director.
• Plan classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
• Attend and participate in workshops and meetings.
• Communicate with parents about children’s progress, events, classroom activities, and changes to individual education plans through conferences, written correspondence, and telephone calls.
• Conduct health checks and report health concerns to the appropriate Health Coordinator.
• Conduct Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten assessments as required and work toward ensuring at least 80% of children are kindergarten ready.
• Maintain quality staff-child interactions and use active supervision and positive classroom behavior practices.
• Maintain a comprehensive ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, samples of the child’s work, and a developmental assessment.
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss each child’s development and progress, support parents’ observation 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 with other Head Start/Early Head Start staff regarding plans and concerns involving children and families.
• Perform First Aid and CPR as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 online telehealth access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday; Head Start employees’ paid time off and holiday schedule may differ.
• Generous paid time off policy, starting at 16 working days per year.
• 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