Head Start Lead Teacher (Preschool) $5,000 Bonus, $26.61-$31.62/hr

DEPARTMENT: HS&ELP Education

POSITION TITLE: Lead Teacher  

LOCATION: As Assigned 

STATUS: Non-Exempt 

SUPERVISOR: Site Director 

SUPERVISE: Teacher, Teacher Assistant and Teacher Assistant/Bus Monitor 

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for overall classroom operations in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, Department of Early Education and Care Regulations, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and MA Department of Education Frameworks. Work with parents and community to implement individualized School Readiness goals. Ensure adequate bus monitor coverage for bus route.   

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, or related field and actively enrolled in Baccalaureate program with one year experience in appropriate early childhood setting.
• Department of Early Education & Care Lead Teacher certified (for appropriate age group of assigned classroom).    

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Commitment to quality early care and education.
• Complete and maintain EEC Professional Qualifications Registry (PQR) and Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
• Obtain and maintain CPR and Emergency Pediatric First Aid certification according to EEC regulations.
• Practice and maintain current knowledge of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, EEC Regulations, HS & ELP Service Delivery, and NAEYC criterion.
• Ensure the appropriate supervision of children, including implementation of protocols for the care of young children both in the classroom and on the bus.
• Ensure healthy and safe environments for young children.
• Provide support and guidance for teaching staff through ongoing supervision and monthly observation, including volunteers and interns, as assigned.
• Ensure completion of weekly curriculum, child anecdotal records, child assessments, home visits and family conferences.
• Engage with families in creating school readiness goals for children.
• Work with program and community specialists to implement goals through program’s case management system.
• Fill in for bus monitor as needed, completing daily passenger logs, pre and post trip bus inspections.
• Cover for other classrooms as needed.
• Remote work from home will be assigned and determined by your supervisor; When schedule requires remote work, expected to be available for meetings, calls, responding to emails, and conducting regular duties during standard service/agency hours.
• Follow HS & ELP Standard of Conduct.
• Attend all appropriate program workshops and meetings, including site Family Meetings.
• Adhere to agency confidentiality polices.
• Maintain good in-house relationships with all other staff members. 

This does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the agency. 

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Basic computer skills: using a mouse, email, Microsoft office.
• Excellent verbal (in-person and phone) and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of data capture and tracking methods.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic diversity and the needs of individuals with low incomes. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking and climbing stairs.
• Must be able to engage in activities that include bending, floor activities, and lifting young children 2 months to 5 years of age.
• The noise level in the classroom is lively.
• The work environment is primarily an indoor classroom environment, with daily exposure to outdoor weather.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Must have the ability to drive a personal vehicle and program vehicles, as needed.  

REQUIREMENT FOR VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDING STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS

The Office of Head Start uses the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) as part of its monitoring processes, via recording or through on-site visits. ?In preparation, self-assessments of HS & ELP classrooms involve live, virtual or recorded observations of teachers working with children. 

Community Action is an AA/EOE/ADA

Employment is contingent upon the following: a satisfactory Background Record Check (BRC) which includes Criminal Offender Record (C.O.R.I.), Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check, Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks, fingerprinting-based national and state criminal history check. BRC and fingerprinting-based national and state criminal history checks, National Sex Offender Registry (NCOR), and Out-of-State checks (CORI, SORI, DCF) if an individual has lived in another state within the last five years. BRC and fingerprinting-based national and state criminal history check is to be completed every three years. In addition, employment is contingent on evidence of physical exam within the past year, plus verification of MMRs and TB. Documentation of subsequent physical exams must be submitted every 2 years. Also, submit evidence of a good driving record and ability to be covered under Community Action’s non-owned and hired vehicle policy.