Lead Teacher

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Fairfield - CAPosition Type: Teaching StaffEducation Level: AA/ASSalary Range: $24.26 - $27.40 HourlyTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: DayWhat Makes Child Start Inc. a Great Choice

Child Start provides ongoing training and mentoring, creating a strong learning environment.

We believe in the merits of work/life balance as well as the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.
In addition to the starting pay, opportunities for growth and development, being part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and continuous training and education, you can look forward to some fantastic benefits*, including:

An annual Wellness Bonus
3 weeks of vacation per year
13 holidays per year and a personal holiday
Tuition reimbursement
Bilingual and bi-literate bonus
Generous sick leave accruals
Health, dental, and vision benefits
401K with company matching

GENERAL SUMMARY: Plan and facilitate a center-based curriculum to ensure the goals and objectives are accomplished as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards. Serves as Center Director alternate designee for California Community Care Licensing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Curriculum and Practice

•Leads the planning and implementation of developmentally and culturally appropriate child-focused curricula and activities in the classroom in coordination with the Center Director and Education Department staff.

•As a lead, works with other program staff and partners to meet individual educational needs of children, including areas of cognitive, fine and gross motor, social-emotional, self-help, and speech and language development.

•Participates and supports in the adaptation of the classroom environment and curriculum to meet the needs of children with disabilities or special needs and to ensure that each child is fully included in center operations.

•Leads the planning and implementation of all aspects of designated developmental assessments of children three times per year and completion of other screening requirements under the supervision of the Center Director.

•Promotes family partnerships and parent involvement in program planning, implementation of services, and individualization of services for their children through parent activities and committee involvement, and volunteering in the classroom. Assists with recruitment and enrollment process.

•Ability to relate to families and children from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds

•Plan and implement educational field trips, with input from parents.

•Responsible for utilizing classroom activity funds in response to emergent curriculum.

•Maintain a neat and organized classroom and provide an attractive learning environment.

•Safeguard the confidentiality of the personal information of children and families by upholding mandates and policies.

•Assume responsibilities for center operations in the absence of the Center Director.

•Provide substitute coverage, as needed.•Assist with Food Service, as needed.

Training

•Plan and participate in staff and parent training on topics relevant to child development, environments, and classroom management.•Attend pertinent training, workshops, and conferences both within and outside of Head Start at the direction of the Center Director.

•Remain current in ECE/Child Development best practices through participation in continuing education and regular review of child development journals and resources provided by Child Start department staff.

•Actively participate in site staff meetings and other appropriate meetings to support and advance services.

Monitoring and Record-Keeping

•Compile and keeps current child and family documentation of home visits and other program services.

•Regularly observe classroom operations, the system of developmental assessment, and any other pertinent material to ensure quality service delivery. •Provide periodic reports to Education Department. Networking

•Further relationships within the site, position, region, agency, and community to ensure integrated and comprehensive services for families with children

.•Work with the community and local school system to manage the transition process for children and their familiesQualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience

•AA or BA degree in ECE/Child Development or related degree and at least 3 units Admin/Supervision. Original (or certified copies) of all credentials or certificates and college transcripts indicating applicable coursework to meet the requirements of the position as a condition of employment.

•Two years of teaching experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group child care program (previous experience teaching in a Head Start program highly desired), or 1 year as an Associate in a Child Start classroom.

Other Requirements

•Current 1st Aid and CPR Certification or ability to obtain in 60 days

•Ability to pass criminal record clearance•Clear TB test and statement of good health from a doctor are required as a condition of employment

•Actively working towards additional ECE/Child Development units preferred •Valid California Driver’s License, required insurance, and acceptable driving record preferred

•Health and Safety Training (15 hours) or ability to obtain in 60 days

•Report any suspected child abuse as required by state law

•Some staff may be required to provide services in a full-inclusion model/classroom

Other Skills and Abilities

•Bilingual English/Spanish language preferred•In-depth knowledge of child development principles.

•Must be able to serve children with special needs. Some staff may be required to provide services in a full-inclusion model/classroom.

•One year of experience in classroom facilitation and management

•Familiarity with adult learning styles

•Ability to develop positive working relationships with other staff, parents, and volunteers

•Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with employer safety policies

•Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance in compliance with the agency Attendance policy

•Working knowledge of MS Word, email, and internet preferred