Head Start Site Director Lead Teacher (Preschool) ($31.57-$33.48/hr) $5,000 Bonus

DEPARTMENT: HS&ELP Education 

POSITION TITLE: Site Director/Lead Teacher 

LOCATION: As Assigned 

STATUS: Non-Exempt 

SUPERVISOR: Education Manager 

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

POSITION SUMMARY

The Site Director/Lead Teacher is responsible for over-all administration of a center-based site with only one classroom according to the Head Start Performance Standards, and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) regulations. Maintain licensing and accreditation at the site. With support from the Education Manager and program specialists, provide technical assistance, reflective supervision and mentoring to the education staff at site. Work collaboratively with the Family Advocate and education team to meet child and family goals, including School Readiness goals. Ensure the facility of the site complies with health and safety guidelines. Ensure Bus Monitor coverage, according to regulations. 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

• Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care Lead Teacher and Director I certified.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field.
• One year experience in an appropriate early childhood setting.
• At least one year working with behavioral/special needs.
• At least one year of supervisory experience.
• Alternate credential: Associate Degree and must be actively enrolled in a program leading to a Bachelor’s Degree with at least four years of experience in appropriate early childhood setting, including at least one year working with behavioral special needs and EEC Lead Teacher and Director 1 certified.   

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate commitment to quality early care and education programs with sensitivity to culturally diverse families and those who may experience lower incomes.
• Obtain and maintain CPR and Emergency Pediatric First Aid certification according to EEC regulations.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of typical and atypical child development, 0-5.
• Maintain and practice current knowledge of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, and EEC Regulations.
• Coordinate with Education Manager to maintain EEC licensing.
• Ensure the appropriate supervision of children, including implementation of HSELP protocols for the care of young children.
• Ensure healthy and safe environments for young children.
• Ensure completion of and posted weekly curriculum, child anecdotal records, child assessments, home visits and family conferences.
• Engage with families in creating school readiness goals for children, recording them on the child’s Individualized Goals and Support Strategies (IGSS) and updating progress at least monthly.
• Collaborate with the Family Advocate to provide integrated education and family services including: creating and implementing systems for effective communication within the team; case management and Family Meetings.
• Conduct developmental and behavioral screenings within 45 days of each child’s enrollment, and annual behavioral screenings thereafter. Maintain documentation of all screenings, assessments, consults and referrals in the child’s electronic and paper family files.
• Oversee building maintenance for site, including Work Orders, Monthly Safety Checks, and the Daily Safety Check.
• Fill in for bus monitor as needed, completing daily passenger logs, pre and post trip bus inspections.
• Cover for other HSELP classrooms as needed.
• Attend all appropriate program workshops and meetings. 
• Adhere to agency confidentiality policies.
• Maintain good in-house relationships with all other staff members.
• 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.
• Supervise the departmental programs and personnel in compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Selects, trains/orients, and supervises department personnel.
• Inspires and motivates others to achieve increasing levels of performance excellence. Takes an active leadership role in valuing and promoting different perspectives and opinions and approaches throughout the agency.
• Evaluates performance and recommends compensation, promotions, and disciplinary actions. 

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

• Proficient computer skills: especially Microsoft Office and the Internet.
• 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 below 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.