Lead Teacher Jobs

About The Position

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 a related major, 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, and children’s literature.
• Two years of experience teaching Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool, or kindergarten-age children.
• Completion of required state childcare training, including an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers course and Florida’s 45-hour Child Care Facility Training. The posting specifies enrollment within 90 days and completion within 12 months, subject to the stated industry-entry timeline.
• Completion of all state-mandated Voluntary Prekindergarten courses.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful Level II background screening, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening before hiring.
• 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.
• Skills in supervisory techniques, group presentations, communicating with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, and resolving conflicts between preschool-age children.
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise others and conduct early childhood education programs.
• Ability to provide responsive routine care for infants and toddlers and to remain seated on the floor, bent, or kneeling for extended periods.
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and prepare and maintain work-related reports and files.
• Ability to handle confidential information, use a computer and related software, follow procedures, administer CPR and First Aid, and implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others, physically assist with transportation of children with special needs, and safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Able to lift at least 45 pounds and physically assist with placing children with special needs into seats and fastening safety belts.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans and enrichment activities that meet federal performance 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 and maintain adequate inventory.
• Document children’s progress and complete required manual and computerized forms and reports.
• Initiate referrals to the Center Director through formal documentation.
• 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.
• Conduct health checks and report health concerns to the appropriate Health Coordinator.
• Align lessons and classroom activities with Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Standards and conduct required VPK assessments.
• Work toward kindergarten readiness for at least 80% of children and meet the stated CLASS score threshold and Teacher Success Rubric requirements.
• Maintain a comprehensive portfolio for each child, including weekly observations, work samples, and developmental assessments.
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss children’s development and progress and solicit parent observations.
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect to the designated state agency.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee field trips.
• Order supplies and equipment for children with special needs.
• 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 child- and family-related 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
• Telehealth with 24/7 online access to doctors
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary
• 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday
• Generous paid time off policy starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees’ PTO and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match, or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement