Head Start Lead Teacher

Head Start Lead Teacher Job Description Job Title:

Head Start Lead Teacher Last Update:

2025

Reports To:

Head Start/Early Head Start Center Manager Drug Free Work Place Position Purpose The Lead Teacher is responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the established program instructions for the Head Start classroom. Staff will assume responsibility for classroom monitoring to include co-teacher, substitute teachers, facilities, child health and safety, child nutrition, education and general classroom needs.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Internal Responsibilities 1. Implement a program of instruction supporting emerging literacy, numeracy development, language development, social and emotional development, science, creative art, physical health and development based on current research practices and developmentally appropriate practices. 2. Ensure that the curriculum is administered and is consistent with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards and curriculum objectives. 3. Ensure the curriculum practices are based on sound child development principles concerning how children learn and grow. 4. Ensure the administering of all the program's screenings and assessments of the students for the Head Start classrooms as assigned. 5. Ensure that the classroom environment is arranged to accommodate a variety of children's needs and strengths, and stimulate learning across all domains, providing opportunities for teacher and child directed activities 6. Ensure individualization for special needs and children in general. 7. Ensure the implementation of IEP goals for students as assigned. 8. Ensure that there is an integration of health, nutrition, and mental health in the classrooms. 9. Ensure and demonstrate a respectful and professional demeanor, able to handle conflict situations, promote trust and a safe environment among clients and staff. 10. Ensure a Healthy and Safe learning environment for children, including the general upkeep, and cleanliness of the classroom and playground. 11. Ensure high quality teacher-child interactions as determined by the CLASS tool. 12. Conduct classroom home visits, parent conferences, work sampling and progress reports to ensure all parents are advised of their child's progress and needs. 13. Prepare weekly lesson plans and family activity sheets. 14. Complete all forms included in classroom managerial tasks to include: field trip forms, child incident report, fire/tornado drills, in-kind (non-federal share), nutrition activity form classroom inventory family activity report, and mental health follow-ups on all the children. Training 1. Continuous Professional Development to ensure quality job performance by participating in workshops, in-service trainings and conferences offered by the agency, program, region or Office of Head Start. 2. Complete yearly required training hours as mandated by OHS and DECAL 3. Is knowledgeable of and follows program rules, regulations, policies and procedures. 4. Utilize knowledge from training and workshops to enhance job performance. 5. Seeks, obtains and maintains qualifications required for the position. Compliance and Monitoring Create and monitor all classroom lesson plans weekly to ensure the lesson plans meet and/or exceed mandated child development school readiness goals and program requirements. Document and monitor assigned children's profiles in TSG to ensure each child needs and individual goals are being addressed by the approved curriculum providing learning experiences in areas such as language development, literacy, mathematics, science, creative arts, and social, emotional and physical opportunities are provided each child. Ensure the classroom environment is aligned with ECERS (Quality Rated Scale). Ensure the lesson plans incorporate the IEP'S and individual goals of each child. Take accurate daily attendance and meal counts (Arrival, departure, breakfast, lunch and snacks). Monitor co-teachers, subs, floaters and approved volunteers in Head Start classes when assigned. Other Job Responsibilities Process local travel, conference travel, requisition for supplies, equipment, maintenance repairs and classroom inventory for Head Start classroom. Ensure the documentation of service areas are integration into classroom activities (health, nutrition, and mental health). Maintain effective communication with parents. Make referrals for assistance with special needs children. 5. Perform other duties as requested. All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality. Minimum Requirements/Qualifications Minimum of an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field. A Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Child Development or related field is preferred . Must have a clear criminal background check. Must pass drug and alcohol screening. Must have current CPR and First Aid Certification. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and be physically able to provide care and ongoing supervision of children assigned. Must register in the GaPDS (Georgia Professional Development System for Early Childhood Educators). Must have a valid Driver's License. Must be willing to use own vehicle for work purposes. Must follow strict safety guidelines and procedures in the classroom. Must be familiar with child abuse laws and reporting procedures. Must complete a Professional Development Plan annually. Must follow the Head Start Performance Standards and Procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook. Must follow EOA CAP Personnel Policies and procedures as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual. Must accept responsibility for the supervision, training, evaluation and performance of assigned subordinates. Must accept responsibility for the educational program within the classroom. Must accept responsibility for the children under his/her care. Must be flexible to meet changing demands and expectations. Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required Strong computer skills, including Windows and accessing emails. Also, the ability to learn new software as needed. Must maintain strict confidentiality of the information regarding the children, their families and other staff. Substantial problem solving to devise solutions which address organizational deficits or potential deficits in a changing regulatory environment. Ability to use good judgment. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Ability to work with a diverse population. Ability to relate to low-income families. Strong organizational skills. Ability to work effectively using age-appropriate activities in the classroom and relate with children in a positive way. Ability to coordinate and assign classroom workloads. Strong interpersonal skills. Must be punctual/timely. Knowledge of educational needs of pre-school age children and developmentally appropriate practices. Correct use of English, both verbal and in writing. Position Information

• 9 months
• Eligible for Full Benefits
• 26 pay periods per year

Position:

Non-Exempt

• 90-Day Probationary Period implemented for

New Hires, Promotions, and Job Transfers Pay:

From $21.23 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person