Head Start/Early Head Start - Lead Teacher

crystalstairs; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401k Matching

Paid Holidays

Growth Opportunities

Professional Development

Job summary

Crystal Stairs, Inc. seeks a dedicated Head Start Lead Teacher for our Los Angeles location to design and implement developmentally appropriate activities aligned with Head Start standards.

You will manage a classroom, ensure safety, and engage children through interactive learning experiences in a nurturing environment. The role requires ECE credentials (AA/BA, 24 units), plus teaching permits or eligibility, with CLASS certification preferred.

Qualifications

• AA/BA in ECE or related field required.
• At least 24 ECE units completed.
• Teacher permit or permit eligibility required/considered.
• CLASS certification preferred for the role.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children at all times with safety plans for indoor/outdoor spaces.
• Design and implement daily classroom program aligned with HS/EHS framework.
• Evaluate classroom quality using ECERS and other tools.
• Plan activities addressing physical needs, including children with disabilities.
• Maintain a warm, supportive classroom environment fostering learning.
• Provide diaper changing/potty training as needed.
• Conduct home visits regularly.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience & flexibility

Proactive problem-solver

Willingness to try new strategies

Direct experience with young children

Education

AA/BA in ECE or related field

24 ECE Units

Teacher permit or permit eligible

Tools

CLASS Certification

Job description

Crystal Stairs, Inc.

Improving the Lives of Families through

Child Care Services, Research, and Advocacy

Head Start/Early Head Start - Lead Teacher

100% Onsite - Location: Los Angeles, CA 90056

What We’re Looking For:

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Head Start & Early Head Start Lead Teacher to join one of our rapidly growing Southern California locations. A successful HS/EHS Lead Teacher is a creative organizer and thinker who is passionate about designing and facilitating interactive learning and development experiences, such as: read-alouds, classroom rituals, hands-on art-making, and math games. This also includes a strong knowledge of classroom evaluation practices (ECERS), assessment tools (DRDP's) and a clear knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Child Care Licensing Regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise children visually at all times to ensure their continuous safety and care; develop a plan to ensure the safety of the children while they are using indoor and outdoor facilities
• Design and implement the daily classroom program based on a creative curriculum in alignment with the HS/EHS Child Development and Early Learning Framework
• Evaluate classroom quality using the Early Childhood Education Rating Scale (ECERS) and other assessment tools
• Plan and implement activities to meet the physical needs of the children, including children with disabilities and special needs
• Creates and maintains a warm emotionally supportive classroom environment that is well managed and provides quality instructional support for children's learning.
• Provide Diaper Changing/Potty Training for individual children on an as needed basis.
• Perform home visits on a regular basis

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES YOU SHOULD POSSESS

• Passionate about our cause with an incredible work ethic
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and flexibility
• Possesses a willingness to try new strategies, including approaches to lesson plans, pedagogy, and classroom management.
• Proactive problem-solver
• AA/BA in ECE or Related Field
• 24 ECE Units
• Permit OR Permit ELIGIBLE at a Teacher level or above
• CLASS Certified (preferred)
• A minimum of six (6) months direct experience working with young children, between ages birth -5 years old within a preschool setting, in addition to a cultural, ethical and diverse community.

Special Requirements:

• The 41-CDP1 form must be completed by an authorized representative of a California community college or four-year college or university approved by the Commission to verify completion of requirements for Child Development Teaching Permits.

Total Package of Benefits

• Medical/ Dental/ Vision - 95% paid by employer
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Life and AD&D for Employee, Spouse and Children
• 401k Matching Options
• Flex Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care)
• Mutual of Omaha (STD, Accident, & Critical Illness)
• Generous Sick and Vacation Time
• Paid Holidays + Paid Winter Break from 12/24 - 1/1 (for select positions)
• Opportunity for Growth and Development
• Robust Learning Management System offering the following continuing education units: PDC, HRCI, CEU, CPE, PDU, SHRM

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Crystal Stairs is committed to building and sustaining a fully vaccinated, diverse workforce and culture. As part of this commitment, Crystal Stairs provides equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, medical condition as defined by state law, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other legally protected status.

For more information about Crystal Stairs, please visit our website at: www.crystalstairs.org

All Head Start positions are implemented in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards in each service area.