Lead Teacher - Early Childhood, Head Start, Pre-K

The Lead Teacher – Early Childhood, Head Start, Pre-K is the head of the classroom and is responsible for implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum (Creative Curriculum) as well as divvying out classroom related work to the Assistant Teacher and Teacher’s Aide. The Lead Teacher – Early Childhood, Head Start, Pre-K should be able to work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisor, and families to ensure quality education.

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

• Assist in the direction of a class of students (maybe mixed age) through daily activities
• Communicates with families about children’s progress and work

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Planning and Program Implementation (50%)

• Planning (25%)
  • Understand the goals, objectives, and vision of BKS
  • Understand the goals and objectives of the curriculum
  • Plan well-designed lessons that are aligned with the current units of study and culturally relevant pedagogy.
  • Implement units of study and lesson plans in a thoughtful and intentional manner
  • Identify goals for children 
  • Identify what staff and parents can do to help children achieve these goals
  • Identify classroom materials needed to support the implementation of the curriculum towards achieving goals. 

• Program Implementation (25%)
  • Provide positive guidance for children
  • Implement daily lesson plans.
  • Lead various small group and center activities 
  • Delegate various academic and classroom-based responsibilities to assistant teacher and teacher aides.
  • Understand individual student goals and connect those goals to academic activities. 
  • Work with small groups of children to reinforce lessons, providing one-on-one instruction to students and supervising students in the classroom.
  • Create a warm and welcoming environment that includes a print-rich, and culturally responsive culture.

Additional Educational and non-Educational Duties (35%)

• Assessment System (15%)
  • Complete and maintain observations and other running records
  • Navigate Teaching Strategies GOLD online (assessment system).
• Supervision (10%) 
  • Provide consistent supervision that takes into account developmentally appropriate activities and health needs of the group and individual child.
• Relationship Building (5%)
  • Foster relationships with key stakeholders e.g., other teachers, family workers/social workers, parents and guardians for the purposes of school readiness.
• Promoting professional growth (5%)
  • Assume responsibility for professional performance and self-reflection

Other (15%) 

• Fulfill roles as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Polices.
• Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions, and workshops as assigned.
• Perform any other work-related duties necessary to the smooth functioning of the center as requested by the supervisor.

Reports To

• Director

Qualifications – Certified Teacher

• NYS Professional ECE Certification B-2, Valid NYS Permanent Certification B-2 or N-6, Professional or Permanent Childhood Education (1-6), Prekindergarten-Grade 6 (P-6) Required
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with children ages 2-4 years old
• A 2.5 minimum culminate undergraduate GPA
• Experience working with low-income populations and diverse cultures.

Qualifications – Study Plan Teacher

• At least an Associate’s Degree working towards a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education (if not possessing an AA in ECE) or an Associate’s degree working towards any program that graduates with at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Psychology, Childhood Development, Elementary Education and Students with Disabilities 1-6 as long as degree has at 12 credits in Early Childhood Education preferred, Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or working towards Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education highly preferred 
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with children ages 2-4 years old
• A 2.5 minimum culminate undergraduate GPA if possessing of an undergraduate degree
• Experience working with low-income populations and diverse cultures.