Head Start Substitutes: Lead Teacher I-II

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general supervision and direction of the Site Supervisor, is responsible for the overall planning and implementation of the Head Start (HS) curriculum for the classroom, and for parent education. Oversees the operation of the classroom and the parent volunteer program. Supervises assigned staff members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the health and safety of children enrolled at the site while under our care.
• Participates in regular reflective supervision sessions and self-assessment to promote ongoing professional development. **
• Administers the daily operation of the classroom within the requirements of State Licensing Regulations, HS Performance Standards and State Funding Terms and Conditions (CSPP) where required. 
• Under the direction of the site supervisor trains, supervises and evaluates associate teacher(s) and aides working in the classroom; conducts regular classroom observation and supervision sessions with assigned staff and facilitates team teaching and planning. **
• Develops list of needed education supplies and materials and submits list to the site’s assigned Child Development Supervisor (CDS) and the Education, Disabilities and Mental Health (EDMH) Manager for review. **
• Keeps required records, documents services and follow-up, and ensures compliance with HS Performance Standards in education and special education service areas. **
• Plans and implements curriculum for assigned classroom according to HS Performance Standards and CSPP where required and posts weekly lesson plans. **
• Conducts two home visits and two conferences during the program year with parent(s) or guardian(s) of each assigned child. **
• Assists the Site Supervisor with ordering janitorial and office supplies and classroom materials as needed.
• Supervises and participates in the daily cleaning of the classroom (i.e., sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming rugs, sanitizing bathrooms, etc.); assists the Site Supervisor in maintaining the Center facility and play yard areas.
• Mobilizes parent(s) or guardians(s) and other volunteers to work in the classroom; provides orientation, supervision of and guidance to classroom volunteers.
• Administers a developmental screening tool to each assigned child within 45 days of enrollment and regularly performs ongoing assessment of the child’s development throughout the school year. **
• Through observation, use of individual child portfolios and with parent input, develops goals that individualize the curriculum for each child. **
• Facilitates learning and development of each child using an appropriate, program approved, ongoing assessment tool. 
• Responsible for recognizing signs of early disabling conditions (exceptional needs); follows Head Start Child Development Program (HSCDP) special education procedures implementing as needed special goals and objectives for each child under supervision of the EDMH staff in conjunction with the Local Education Agency (LEA.)
• Works with EHS staff to facilitate smooth transition from EHS to HS classrooms. **
• Facilitates activities with LEA to ensure a smooth transition from HSCDP to kindergarten. **
• Communicates with parent(s) or guardian(s) regarding Center activities and child development information through parent bulletin boards, etc. and/or Center/classroom calendars. **
• For bilingual employees, performs all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and HSCDP staff.
• Provides childcare during parent meetings and activities.
• Takes responsibility for staying informed of future changes to position qualification requirements; maintains a current professional development plan with assistance from supervising staff to prepare for upcoming position qualification requirements changes.
• Attends scheduled meetings, trainings and conferences as necessary.
• Responsible for generating, collecting and documenting Non-Federal Share Match.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

** Does not apply to Substitutes.

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

• The following education and/or experience criteria are required to qualify for the designated level

1. Level I- An associate degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) or in a related field. *** 
2. Level II- A bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) or in a related field. ***
   *** 12 ECE/CDV core units and 3 units supervised field experience in ECE/CDV setting required. (Core courses include child/human growth & development; child/family/community or child and family relations; and programs/curriculum).

• Must hold and maintain a current California Child Development Teacher Permit or higher level.
• Must have a minimum of 15 hours of Child Health and Safety training and maintain a current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification or complete these requirements within 3 months of being hired.
• A minimum of two years early childhood classroom experience is required; a minimum of two years of staff supervision experience is preferred. 

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of Early Childhood Education/Child Development.
• Positive guidance for preschool children. 
• Head Start Performance Standards preferred.
• Computer and internet use as relates to the duties of the position; prior use of Microsoft Office 365 preferred.
• Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) preferred.
• Licensing Title 22 regulations preferred.

Ability to:

• Provide leadership skills and provide stability for program continuity.
• Develop and implement effective lesson plans with team teaching approach. 
• Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally sensitive manner.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately verbally and in writing in English is required. 
• Motivate, engage with, and work effectively and professionally with parents and other adults as well as with children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds is preferred.
• Accurately and legibly maintain records and prepare reports either by hand, or by using a computer and related software programs.
• Be flexible and able to meet the changing needs of the program. 
• Work a flexible schedule to accommodate attending scheduled works events and professional development opportunities. 

Necessary Special Skills & Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• For work-related driving, must have a valid California driver’s license, a verifiable good driving record, and access to a vehicle with insurance that covers the employee as a driver OR reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance.
• Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, and meeting TB test and regulatory immunization and vaccination requirements related to work in a Head Start Program and a licensed child care facility.
• Employment is contingent on receipt by program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly; 
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms. 
• The employee is frequently required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.
• Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors, and contributors is a frequent aspect of this job.
• The employee will regularly use computers and computer printers, telephones, and other similar electronic office equipment.
• The employee may occasionally use kitchen equipment and implements that can be heavy, hot or sharp; as well cleaning and sanitizing products.
• The environment can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.

Note:  This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.