Lead Teacher

Job Objectives and Job Summary: The Lead Teacher is responsible for being sure the Head Start Performance Standards, Vermont Early LearningStandards, and Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs are metin their classroom. The Lead Teacher is part of a team of supervisory staff that meets monthly. This position requires aclose collaborative working relationship with all other content area managers, staff, and parents. Supervision of theteaching assistants, support staff and facility is included in the responsibilities.Essential Functions: Meet the qualifications for Teacher as stated in the Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center BasedChild Care and Preschool Programs and Head Start Performance Standards, experience with home visits,supervision of staff, and working with groups.
Lead Teachers model positive, respectful interactions with adults and children alike. They are role models forparents, and an ambassador for the program. Schedule and conduct developmental (Early Screening Inventory) and social/emotional and behavior screening(Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ: SE-2) within 45 days of a childs enrollment in the program. Work collaboratively with parents to make individualized plans for children.
Plan, facilitate and document developmentally appropriate preschool experiences for all children using The CreativeCurriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD to ensure that individual planning is done for each child in theclassroom. Plan, facilitate, support and document family engagement activities in collaboration with Family Partners. Plan, facilitate and document one home visit and four parent conferences each program year. Plan a monthly Case Management meeting with Family Partners to ensure families are receiving service/assistanceas individually needed.
Provide supervision for teacher associates and teacher assistants within their classroom. Collaborate with the Education/Disabilities Services Manager, local Early Childhood Programs and professionalsthroughout the year to provide the most appropriate support for children with special needs and their families. Participate in regularly scheduled individual supervision meetings, team meetings, center staff meetings, staffdevelopment days, and SEVCA All Staff meetings. Be a resource for parents and staff.
Participate in ongoing training according to an Individual Professional Development Plan that meets therequirements of the Licensing Regulations for this position (15 hours). Ensure that the classroom is well maintained and cleaned on a daily basis. Respect and respond competently to the culture, traditions, lifestyle, language, and values of each family andcommunity. Offer parent opportunities to be involved in group activities, including Policy Council and educational activitiesbased on the interest and need.
Also offer opportunities for parents to build on their goals, strengths, and accessneeds. Ability to lift, twist, and turn with 50 pounds of weight. Ability to speak the language of the majority of the children in the classroom. Responsible for opening and maintenance of Book Clubs, i.e.
Scholastic. This includes ensuring that all unpaidinvoices are paid by the end of the school year, or upon lay off of the employee. Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers and maintain a team effort at all times. Represent the program at local, state and regional meetings and conferences.
Clerical tasks and record keeping. Enter and submit biweekly attendance to Child Care Services Manager (for full day classrooms only). Support Family Partners with parent meetings. Behavior management and interactions with children must be positive and respectful.
Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Contribute to the Monthly Newsletter. Complete needs assessment and participate in the practice-based coaching model within the program, if selected Other duties as assigned.Job Standards/Accountability: Lead Teachers will follow the Head Start Performance Standards, Vermont Early Learning Standards, and the VermontChild Care Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs. Lead Teachers will adhere to thestandards set in the SEVCA Personnel Policies.
Work hours are flexible in that they may be adjusted to accommodate theneeds of the position.Working Conditions: This is considered a full-time position with at least 33 hours per week, salaried/exempt, program year position. The hoursdepend on the number of Head Start children in the classroom, whether the center offers full day care, and whether theLead Teacher is also the Center Manager/Site Director. Lead Teachers manage their own classroom space and areresponsible for its general upkeep and daily maintenance. Professional Development will be partially supported bySEVCA SEVCA Head Start.
Lead Teachers are also given paid planning time on a daily basis.