POSITION SUMMARY

Lead Teacher II - Infants is responsible for the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program. The Teacher II ensures that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Head Start, state and local standards.

*This full time position includes summer programming (staffing to be determined by parent demand). Scheduled breaks and holidays will be based on the program calendar and coincide – as feasible – with the agency and other program calendars.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Teacher II is supervised by the EHS Director. In collaboration with the EHS Director, supervises the Assistant Teacher and Classroom Assistant.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS

Child Development

• Observe, assess and document each child’s health, skills, behavior, growth and development.
• Provide opportunities for Early Head Start/Head Start children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• Develop an individualized educational plan for each child.
• Coordinate referrals for children with special needs with the Family Support staff and Mental Health Disabilities and Home Based Director.
• Delegate some child development responsibilities to the Assistant Teacher and Classroom Assistant.
• Contribute to and participate in child and family review meetings with family support staff and program management.
• Understand and support the role of continuity of care primary care giving and small groups in promoting children’s development

Classroom Management

• Develop and maintain an attractive and engaging environment that encourages children’s independence and self-selection of activities.
• Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.
• Maintain a clean, safe and healthy classroom environment.
• Understand and ensure use of positive discipline methods

Curriculum

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will enhance the social, emotional, physical, language and cognitive development of each child.
• Develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children.
• In collaboration with EHS Director, assist in the development of the program’s educational curriculum.

Parent Involvement

• Schedule and meet with parents regularly about their child’s progress.
• Schedule at least two home visits and two conferences for each child to assist in clarifying the child and family needs and to encourage their involvement.
• Encourage parent participation in the program and in implementing education activities for their children at home.
• Develop effective partnerships with parents by encouraging input into all aspects of the program.
Supervision/Administration
• Provide reflective supervision to the Assistant Teacher and Classroom Assistant as directed by the EHS Director.
• Supervise the Assistant Teacher and Classroom Assistant. Develop and maintain confidential educational and other information for each child.
• Maintain daily attendance and meal participation counts.
• Identify and document in-kind donations to the program.

Other

• Follow all mandates of Head Start regulations, state and local licensing and the Educare philosophy and curriculum as directed by the EHS Director.
• Participate in interdisciplinary approach to the work with children and families
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field with a minimum of 18 credits in Early Childhood or Child Development and one year’s experience preferred. Candidates with 1 year or less toward completing a degree program, and two years experience in a relevant early childhood group setting will also be considered.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group (0-3 or 3-5).
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Knowledge of City and State licensing requirements.
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with various professionals and community groups.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with parents
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community.