Job Description
Job Description
PURPOSE OF POSITION
This position is responsible for the general and day-to-day operations of an Early Head Start to ensure regulatory
and legal compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and communicating with parents and the community.
The Center Lead / Infant-Toddler Teacher has responsibility for a group of children as a teacher in the classroom.
The position may be reassigned to various centers as deemed necessary for program operations.
This position serves as a teacher in an Early Head Start classroom with infants and toddlers by planning,
implementing, and supervising all center-based activities. This position may work with infants and toddlers with
developmental delays.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties of the position are described in the major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be
assigned.
EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Assist in establishing and fostering a team approach, coordination of services, and sharing resources
among centers within the overall program.
Attends and participates in all required meetings, activities, pre-service, and in-service training.Ensures up-to-date information that pertains to the needs of the children in the program is located in theCenter, such as center postings and flyers.
Maintains strict confidentiality concerning Early Head Start children, families, and staff in accordancewith established policies and procedures.
Implements and supports "best practices" in early education programming and follows Early Head StartOperations Manual Policies and Procedures.
Lead Teacher-Specific Job Duties
Ensures each classroom stays in adult / child ratio and reports any staffing needs to Center Manager.Models and exercises support to center staff in the execution of work duties in a manner consistent withcompliance with all applicable laws and rules, and regulations.
Become familiar with Head Start Performance Standards, State Licensing, and State Sanitation practices.Reports areas of concern or non / compliance with policy and regulations to the Center Manager.Ensures center supply and food inventory are counted accurately and materials are reordered.Assist with parent committee meetings, center team meetings, and training.Assist in establishing and fostering a team approach and positive center climate.Responsible for monthly safety checks, fire drills, and completing the Lead Teacher checklist items.Infant and Toddler Program Implementation
Responsible for the weekly preparation of weekly lesson plans, which include objectives to be posted for parents, volunteers, and visitors in the classroom.Develops an individual plan for each child to include goal setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established goals.Provides a safe, healthy, and well-managed environment so that children will have comfortable learning and growing experiences. Sets up the physical environment to meet the changing needs of infants and toddlers.
Models and promotes communication and problem-solving skills that assist in developing positive interactions, creating an atmosphere of acceptance, support, and encouragement, which fosters the development of positive self-concept and self-esteem in children as well as attachment, bonding, and trusting relationships.Demonstrates understanding of infant-toddler development and applying this knowledge in practice.Sits in on IFSP meetings as needed or requested.Participates in ongoing training and development specific to working with infants, toddlers, and their families, including infant / toddler development, communication, and safety issues.Works closely and cooperatively with the family service worker to promote partnerships with families.Displays commitment to continuing professional growth by taking classes, attending training, and keeping up to date with changes in the early childhood education field.Conducts developmental screenings and assessments of infants and toddlers to look at the child's current development and communicate with families about their children's strengths and areas to grow.Schedules home visits and parent-teacher conferences with families as required and on an as-needed basis and document these events in the proper locationCommunity Relations
Establishes positive and productive relationships with families focusing on a relationship of trust and rapport with the parents / guardians of the children we serve.Work collaboratively with Family Service Advocate in conducting Parent Committee meetings, family engagement events, Early Head Start orientation, and transition processes.Schedule and document parent-teacher conferences and home visits that are required.Provides opportunities for parent / family involvement, inviting participation inside and outside-of-classroom activities, etc. Collects monthly in-kind records for parents participating.Work closely with Early Intervention therapists as appropriate for shared activities and progress notesEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education - Minimum requirement is a current Child Development Associate (CDA) with infant / toddler or higher.Experience - 1 year of experience in an Early Childhood setting teacher.Must have reliable transportation and, if / when using own vehicle, must have minimum automobile coverage required by state of employment.Proficient leadership skillsSelf-directed and multi-task orientedProficiency in Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, OutlookPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
May be required to lift to 40 pounds.Will be required to perform physical activities to engage with toddlers / Infant including bending, squatting, getting down and up of the floor.Travel by car, bus, airplane, or train may also be required to attend conferences, meetings, and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state, and in some cases, overnight travel may be required.Some exposure to communicable diseases.The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud.Evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for home visits, parent-teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community, and social events
