Head Start Lead Teacher

Lake Ridge Schools; Gary (IN); On-site; USD 31,684 - 37,195; Full time

Job summary

Lake Ridge Head Start in Gary, IN is seeking an Early Childhood Teacher to support preschool children in a Head Start program. The role emphasizes kindergarten readiness through developmentally appropriate activities and family engagement.

Requires at least an AA degree with 5 years of experience or a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education preferred; Spanish is a plus. Position is on-site with competitive hourly pay between $23 and $27, based on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education preferred; at least an AA degree with 5 years' experience.
• Spanish language skills would be helpful.
• Must be physically active and able to lead gross motor activities.

Responsibilities

• Improve children's verbal and non-verbal functioning, self-image, attention span, and social-emotional growth to promote kindergarten readiness.
• Prepare classroom environment in line with Head Start Curriculum and Performance Standards.
• Plan developmentally appropriate lessons that are child-centered and culturally sensitive.
• Create lessons across language, literacy, math, science and arts while supporting social-emotional growth.
• Establish positive approaches to learning and plan for individual child needs.
• Provide assessments and referrals for children with special needs.
• Engage families and encourage parental involvement in the classroom.
• Collaborate with staff and participate in staff meetings and trainings.

Skills

Spanish helpful

Child development knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

AA degree

Job description

Job Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred, at least an AA degree and 5 years' experience; previous work with preschool children is desirable.
• Spanish as a first or second language would be helpful.
• Must be physically active and able to lead children in physical activities that promote good gross motor skills.

Job Details

Schools: Lake Ridge Head Start

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Salary: $23.00-$27.00 per hour; depends on experience

Subject: Early Childhood

Duties and Responsibilities

• Will work to improve children's verbal and non-verbal functioning, self-image, attention span, body awareness through a mastery of gross motor skills and school/parent/teacher/child relationships. Promote social emotional growth and cognition in order to establish kindergarten readiness skills.
• Prepare classroom environment for daily activities, providing a safe environment in accordance with Head Start Curriculum and Performance Standards.
• Plan student lessons that provide variety and flexibility. Provide activities that will be child-oriented and culturally sensitive. Lessons should include exploration of the child's environment and provide for individual differences that will prepare students to be ready for kindergarten.
• Create lessons that are developmentally appropriate and focus on social-emotional growth, physical growth, language development, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and arts.
• Establish positive approaches to learning.
• Plan scheduling to meet individual child needs.
• Provide individual testing and assessments as required.
• Advocate for student needs.
• Follow all Lake Ridge and Geminus protocols as developed in the service area plans.
• Create a partnership with each family developing a rapport that will enable a team approach to student success.
• Engage and offer opportunities for parents to volunteer in your classroom.
• Will have a working knowledge of computer skills.
• Will model mealtime with children in order to take advantage of the teaching opportunities offered during that time.
• Will refer children with special needs to the appropriate staff members for follow-up services.
• Will establish a positive and productive relationship with parents, regularly sharing information on their child's progress.
• Will collaborate with other staff members and work cooperatively in carrying out major objectives, including combined group activities and Project Based Learning Experiences.
• Will attend training and self‑development opportunities.
• Will employ self‑evaluation techniques to maintain and improve teaching skills.
• Will set professional growth goals yearly.
• Will participate in annual revision and rewriting of the Service Area Plans for education.
• Will attend staff meetings.
• Will fulfill obligations as set forth in the Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Service Area Plans as adopted.
• Any other duties as requested by Director.