Lead Teacher - Preschool

SUMMARY

Lead the teaching staff, in assigned preschool/Head Start classroom, in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage the whole child and support the readiness of the children through social/emotional, cognitive, physical and language activities. Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment and encourage the involvement of families to strengthen the relationships between children, families and community. This is a year-round position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain working knowledge of SMOC Child Care and Head Start philosophy and all regulations and performance standards (EEC, Head Start, NAEYC and QRIS) applicable to the assigned classroom.
• Take a leadership role in planning, preparing and implementing a successful learning environment that supports and challenges each child’s development.
• Support and guide members of the classroom team by providing opportunities for staff growth and development.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor and share all pertinent information as quickly as possible.
• Observer and record children’s behavior for the purpose of assessing skills and planning appropriately to meet individual and group needs. Recognize areas of concern and initiate appropriate intervention or needed referrals. Attend parent conferences as required.
• Assess classroom needs for equipment, materials and supplies in a safe, clean and orderly fashion
• Provide accurate and timely reports, record keeping and other documentation required for assigned classroom.
• Maintain strict adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Attend all required staff meeting, workshops, trainings, committee meetings and parent functions.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive relationship by maintaining contact with families through phone calls, conferences, home visits, arrivals & departures, and family volunteer opportunities.
• Designated mandated reporter.
• Engage all children and parents by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with children, parents and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of program, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• EEC preschool Lead Teacher Certified – REQUIRED
• Associates degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Experience working with preschool age children required, additional experience with toddlers desirable.
• Must be comfortable working with diverse back grounds and able to effectively communicate with children, families and co-workers.
• Ability to use problem solving, planning and analytical skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Bi-lingual a plus
• Must be or become certified in CPR & First Aire within the time frame required by EEC licensing.
• Priority given to past or present Head Start parents for positions for which they are qualified in the Head Start Program.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

• Directly reports to Assistant Center Director.
• Indirectly reports to Center Co-Director.
• Direct reports of this position are none.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Lifting of children – up to 30 lbs.
• Proof of physical exam within last year determining good health and meeting all EEC requirements.
• Physically able to perform CRP INCLUDING 1) ability to get on the floor, 2) ability to give an effective breath (making the chest rise) and 3) ability to give effective chest compressions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed indoors and outdoors on most days regardless of the weather. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Lead Teacher – Preschool/Head Start will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services or the Department of Early Education & Care. A successful background check is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.