LEAD TEACHER

JOB SUMMARY

This position will provide safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate Head Start services to infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers. Oversees comprehensive services to the child and family. Provide lead mentoring and coaching to classroom staff. Provide leadership when mentoring and coaching individual classroom staff to meet FNA, Head Start, and State Childcare Licensing regulations. May be assigned to ride the bus as a monitor.

JOB DUTIES

Plans a schedule of daily activities through lesson planning, integrating child health and safety, early childhood development, child mental health, and family and community partnerships into the creative curriculum. Uses a team approach to develop activities individualized to meet the child's needs. Develop classroom activities that reflect the specific cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the children, as well as individualize them based on needs. Maintains a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment. Involves parents in educational activities to enhance their role as the primary educators of their children. Updates emergency contact forms. Advises an appropriate supervisor of social service issues, health, and educational concerns. Attends staff meetings, family staffing, training, and other scheduled activities. Adheres to all State Childcare Licensing regulations, including the Head Start Act of 2007. Participates in monthly fire drills, ensuring children, volunteers, and all classroom staff know appropriate drill procedures. Assists Health Specialists and Family Advocates with gathering pertinent information such as dental and medical follow-ups. Communicates with families, both written and oral, providing periodic informational flyers to parents. Cleans classroom every day, including putting supplies in proper places, and cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and toys. Acts as a positive role model for children, especially about respecting the feelings and rights of others. Follows program procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect. Participates in the recruitment of families to encourage enrollment of their child(ren) into the program(s). Develop consistent, stable, and supportive relationships with families served, while maintaining professional boundaries. Maintain confidentiality of family records and information. Perform other duties as assigned.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

Knowledge of curriculum, various content areas, and learning styles is critical to making decisions related to educational planning. Ability to report to work on time. Skill in operating personal computers utilizing a variety of computer software. Understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles, and ability to work effectively with Alaska Native populations. Skill in managing multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meeting deadlines. Skills in oral and written communication. Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative and respectful working relationships with children, parents, supervisors, and other employees. Ability to work independently as well as with a team. Strong customer service skills, with the ability to effectively present instruction, and/or information to students, staff, parents, administrators, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

(Education & Experience) BA degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or the equivalent. Current Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or the willingness to acquire a CDA within one (1) year of hire if not an ECE Degree, and actively working towards a SEED Practitioner Level 10. Two (2) years of experience working in an Early Childhood or Head Start Program. Three (3) references demonstrating positive experiences working with or caring for children. Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

(Education & Experience) Four (4) years of experience working in an Early Childhood or Head Start Program.