Position Summary:

Each Lead Teacher will ensure that all children reach developmentally appropriate milestones through the implementation of evidence-based curricula, individualized support and high-quality learning environments. Lead Teachers will focus on making sure that all the children and families will be ready to be successful in Kindergarten and in life, while ensuring that all Head Start Performance Standards and site-specific funding regulations are met or exceeded.

Essential Duties: Under the direct supervision of the site's Education Director, the Lead Teacher's responsibilities include the following:

Curriculum and Instruction

• Promote high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that leads to children's school readiness
• Provide responsive care to all children through individualized planning, instruction, and supervision
• Plan and establish an environment in which children develop trusting and accepting relationships with adults and peers that foster growth and development
• Design and execute a developmentally appropriate and integrated curriculum which provides opportunities for children's meaningful exploration

Record Maintenance, Screening and Assessment

• Responsible for maintaining accurate educational records and portfolios on each child, implementing child observations, screening and assessments
• Ensuring children receive a developmental and behavioral screen within the first 45 days of school and assessment at three different points over the course of the year (November, February and May)
• Observe and document students' development to request additional support from Education Director through an internal referral process

Family Engagement

• Encourage parent involvement and communication through a variety of methods (e.g., newsletters, bulletin boards, classroom events, center-wide activities, and "open-door" policy)
• Facilitate meetings with families when there are outstanding developmental or behavioral needs with children
• Participate in home visits, Parent/Teacher conferences, Open Houses, and/or Family Days, depending on the center and funding requirements
• Share highlights of families, kids, staff, and community partners; Educate and engage our online social media community with the EC Instagram committee

Professional Development

• Participate and attend all agency offered trainings, workshops, in-service days, and/or all-staff conferences
• Maintain certification requirements and proof of attendance in professional activities
• Support the growth of the center including participating in program-wide goal setting and individual and program self-assessment
• Oversee additional teachers and volunteers in the classroom
• Complete all Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) required trainings within the specified time frame
• Maintain Active Membership with Aspire and "Registered" status with TEACH Account, both linked to CA

Health and Safety

• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements, teacher child/ratios, and CPR/first aid, Child Abuse Mandate, Foundations for Health and Safety, Blood Borne Infection and Mental Health First Aid certification
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children aligned to CDC, DOHMH and ECERS guidance
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications: The Lead Teacher must have qualifications that satisfy Federal Head Start requirements, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47 regulations, and Universal Preschool Guidelines.

Depending on one's education and certification, a Lead Teacher may fall into one of the following categories:

Lead Teacher: Must be on a Department of Health (DOH) approved study plan as per article 47 regulations; and must have an Associate's Degree in early childhood education OR 90 or more undergraduate credits and one year of classroom teaching experience in Pre-K, Kindergarten or grades 1-2.

Lead Teacher I: Bachelor's Degree required in early childhood education or a related field and two years of supervised and documented relevant experience in a pre-school program.

Lead Teacher II: Bachelor's Degree required; and must have a valid New York State Teaching Certification that may be non-Early Childhood focus (example: Childhood Education 1-6).

Lead Teacher III: Bachelor's Degree required; and must have one of the following Early Childhood Teaching Certifications valid within the state of New York: Early Childhood (Birth - Grade 2); Nursery, Kindergarten and Grades 1-6; Prekindergarten - Grade 6 certification; Students with Disabilities (Birth - Grade 2); Transitional B (TFA Only).

Lead Teacher IV: Master's Degree required and relevant experience.

Lead Teacher V: Master's Degree required; and must have a valid New York State Teaching Certification that may be non-Early Childhood focus (example: Childhood Education 1-6).

Lead Teacher VI: Master's Degree required; and must have one of the following Early Childhood Teaching Certifications valid within the state of New York: Early Childhood (Birth - Grade 2); Nursery, Kindergarten and Grades 1-6; Prekindergarten - Grade 6 certification; or Students with Disabilities (Birth - Grade 2).

Key Competencies:

• Bilingual in English/Spanish
• Experience working with infants and toddlers, and children with Special Needs
• Dedicated, excited and passionate about teaching and learning with young children
• Effective communication skills
• Hold Pre-K or Toddler CLASS Reliability Certificate (Recommended but not Required)
• Hold current Mental Health First Aid Certificate

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement