Early Head Start - Head Start Lead Teacher

Northside Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Northside Center in New York is looking for an EHS Lead Teacher to oversee classroom activities and support Early Head Start children. Responsibilities include collaborating with families and ensuring developmentally appropriate practices.

The ideal candidate is experienced in early childhood settings, holds a degree in Education, and is committed to fostering strong partnerships with families.

Competitive salary range is $45,000 - $55,000 depending on experience, plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-year of experience in an Early Childhood setting as a Lead Teacher.
• Experience working with families and children ages one to five years.
• Knowledge of ITERS and ELOF standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and plan classroom activities for Early Head Start children.
• Engage with parents and families to support children’s development.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Classroom management

Curriculum development

Supervision

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Master’s Degree in ECE preferred

Job description

Early Head Start - Head Start Lead Teacher

The EHS Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing all classroom activities for Early Head Start children. This includes working with typically developing children as well as those with disabilities. The role also involves engaging with parents and families to support the children’s development.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise the planning and execution of a program that considers the social, developmental and health needs of the group, as well as the individual child.
• Developing and maintaining a positive working relationship with families.
• Participating in scheduled meetings with families, colleagues, and schools’ interdisciplinary team.
• Developing an appropriate plan by which information concerning the children and the program can be shared with the families.
• Fostering the belief in parents that they are their child’s first teacher and reinforcing this concept with practical suggestions for its development.
• Other related duties, as assigned, consistent with the above and including the fulfillment of the program.
• Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.
• Be honest, reliable, and dependable.
• Respect and maintain rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.
• Attend mandated training(s) and meetings and seek out staff development opportunities.
• Work as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic.
• Act conscientiously in performing routine duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in ECE preferred, master’s degree preferred; minimum of 1-year of experience in an Early Childhood setting (Lead Teacher).
• Experience working with families and children ages one to five years.
• Knowledge of The Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS-) and The Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five (ELOF).
• Supervision of children.
• Supervising the planning and execution of a program that considers the social, developmental and health needs of the group, as well as the individual child.
• Developing and maintaining a positive working relationship with families.
• Participating in scheduled meetings with families, colleagues and schools' interdisciplinary team.
• Developing an appropriate plan by which information concerning the children and the program can be shared with the families.
• Fostering the belief in parents that they are their child’s first teacher and reinforcing this concept with practical suggestions for its development.
• Other related duties, as assigned, consistent with the above and including the fulfillment of the program.

Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.
• Be honest, reliable and dependable.
• Respect and maintain rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.
• Attend mandated training courses and meetings and seek out staff development opportunities.
• Work as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic.
• Act conscientiously in performing routine duties.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to write using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation; and to organize documents accurately.
• Ability to effectively communicate with community members and groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families both individually and in groups.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience. Northside offers a competitive salary and benefits package. $45,000 - $55,000, depending on experience.

About Northside

Northside Center for Child Development serves over 4,000 children annually through high‑quality, outcomes‑driven behavioral health, early childhood, and enrichment services. With over $30 million in annual funding, the organization provides children and their families with the support they need to overcome adversity, thrive, and pursue their dreams. Northside has been a staple of the Harlem community since its founding in 1946 and a pioneer at the intersection of education and behavioral health for Black and Latino children. Several of its programs were the first in Harlem and established the standard of care for many social service agencies. Northside’s founders, Doctors Kenneth, and Mamie Clark were psychologists whose breakthrough Black/White Doll Study was used as evidence in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared public school segregation unconstitutional. The philosophy behind this landmark decision, now on its 70th anniversary, continues to inspire Northside to create and drive innovative programs that focus on the strengths of families and the importance of children’s self‑esteem.