Lead Teacher

Description:

Summary - The Lead Teacher will plan and conduct an appropriate classroom program utilizing the abilities of the Assistant Teacher, parents, volunteers to the fullest extent.  The Head Start program is in keeping with performance standards, good early childhood practices, and the needs of individual children, as well as the group.

Responsibilities:

Implement developmentally appropriate activities in all eleven Head Start domains according to the individual needs of children as written in daily lesson plans

Complete developmental screenings of each child within 45 days of child's date of entry

Use results of development screenings and input from parent/guardian to begin individualized educational planning process as needed

Manage large and small groups of children as well as meeting children's individual needs

Provide the necessary classroom structure that facilitates maximum child involvement and development

Utilize a team approach with the Assistant Teacher, parents, and other classroom teaching staff (including public school teaching and administrative staff, when applicable)  in the development and implementation of lesson plans and child observation and assessment

Actively participate in children's activities in the classroom and on the playground

Model appropriate behavior, language, and grammar skills for children and parents

Eat breakfast, snacks and lunch with children; encouraging them to engage in conversation and promoting a pleasant atmosphere during meal time.  Use meal periods and information about food as part of the total education plan

Assist children with proper health, nutrition and safety training and encourage self help skills such as eating (serving self), dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, and personal hygiene

Attend monthly parent committee meetings and child/family related meetings (i.e. CPSE, IEP) as required

Schedule and participate in two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per child per year

Share updated child assessment information with parents three times each year at the parent/teacher conference and final home visit

Work in cooperation with other staff members to transition children and parents in and out of Head Start

Record Keeping and Communication

Maintain records; attendance, accident/incident reports, daily health check, case notes, lesson plans, etc., as required by Head Start and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)

Input required data in the Teaching Strategies GOLD and COPA data base

Keep ongoing observation records on children's performance and use these anecdotal records in updating child assessments, and in planning individual and group activities and interactions with children

Provide daily plans and guidance for the Assistant Teacher and classroom volunteers

Submit written referrals as needed

Maintain documentation of any special services (speech/OT/PT, etc) given to each child

Maintain a complete up to date file on each child

Document any conversation/interaction with children/families and share relevant information with appropriate Head Start staff on a"need to know basis"

Fulfill role as Mandated Reporter as stated in the Child Abuse and Maltreatment Policy

Check OFB online e-mail account frequently throughout the workweek

Classroom Environment

Assure that children are treated with respect while using positive discipline techniques and setting limits and expectations consistently

Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment

Maintain an orderly and clean classroom environment; this may include sweeping, mopping,, etc. as necessary

Maintain inventory of classroom supplies and assure materials are in good condition

Professional Development

Maintain a working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and adhere to all agency policies and procedures

Participate in all meetings and in-service training

Complete the 30 hours of professional development training each program year as required by Head Start and NYS OCFS

Qualifications: