The Lead Teacher responsibilities include the operation and management of the classroom and planning and implementing the daily activities; facilitates the children’s interactions and interests; communicates with the parents on a regular basis; and meets regularly with other Head Start staff to share information.

This is a part-year position with various mandatory non-work weeks throughout the school year working approximately 40 weeks per year.

1. Embrace, advocate and carry out the mission and vision of the agency.

2. Abide by all agency policies, procedures and Community Action Code of Ethics.

3. Assist in the planning and coordinating as lead teacher in the classroom.

· Ensure that all classroom activities are carried out on a daily basis.

· Provide a program that meets the individual needs of children and families according to their interests, abilities, individual traits and development.

· Establish an environment which will stimulate a desire for learning, independence and self-esteem for parents and children.

· Ensure that classroom activities are developmentally appropriate and carried out according to Head Start program philosophy, policies and procedures.

· Develop children’s lesson plans one week in advance.

· Encourage parents to participate in curriculum planning and program development.

· Ensure that the individual goals of each child/family are carried through into the classroom and home visit activities.

· Plan with parents and team members to ensure that daily personal hygiene of the children is met (i.e., feeding, diapering, toileting, teeth brushing, hand washing, and resting.)

· Ensure that the planning and involvement of children occur in the preparation of nutritious snacks and clean-up of eating area occurs.

· Provide for the constant supervision for all children.

· Make two education home visits per family per year.

· Conduct two Parent/Teacher Conferences for each child throughout the school year.

· Employs a culturally competent and flexible approach with staff and families from various cultural backgrounds (race, country of origin, religious beliefs, economic status, family structure etc.), by being sensitive to, acknowledging, accepting and accommodating differences.

4. Follow State Licensing requirements

5. Participate in parent meetings and center programs during program year.

6. Participate in the development of an IEP of children diagnosed with disabilities.

7. Utilize technology to enhance and increase efficiency within job responsibilities.

8. Collaborate with families, teaching staff and/or other professionals to support literacy development at home and in Head Start settings.

9. Maintain confidentiality in regards to staff and family information.

10. Encourage parent and community volunteerism and participate in other activities to generate in-kind.

11. Demonstrate familiarity with employment policies, performance standards, work plans and objectives of Agency.

12. Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse & Neglect Policy.

13. Employs a culturally competent and flexible approach with staff and families from various cultural backgrounds (race, country of origin, religious beliefs, economic status, family structure etc.), by being sensitive to, acknowledging, accepting and accommodating differences.

14. This position requires occasionally filling in for other teachers, possibly at another site.

Other duties as requested by Site Supervisor, Education & Disabilities Manager, Head Start Assistant Director, Education and Volunteer Services Director, and the Executive Director.

· The Lead Teacher must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree and be willing to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

The Lead Teacher must have one year experience working with children age’s three to five in a preschool setting.