Head Start Lead Teacher

Clover New Orleans; Louisiana (MO); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Clover New Orleans is seeking a motivated Teacher to lead classroom activities and guide aides, foster grandparents, and volunteers. You will deliver an enriching child development experience aligned with educational principles and licensing requirements.

You will partner with families, coordinate curriculum-based activities, and ensure accurate recordkeeping while supporting early childhood development in a Head Start setting.

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of child development principles.
• Excellent communication skills with staff, families and community.
• Ability to adapt to change and implement feedback.
• Strong organizational skills and multi-tasking ability.
• Commitment to privacy and confidentiality for program participants.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead classroom activities and create a stimulating learning environment.
• Plan and coordinate educational activities aligned with curriculum goals.
• Develop lesson plans to advance literacy, numeracy and problem-solving.
• Support social and emotional development through interactions.
• Engage families and encourage participation in Head Start activities.
• Promote health and safety practices and a safe classroom.
• Maintain records of progress in ChildPlus, TSG and required folders.
• Communicate with parents regarding development and health concerns.
• Mentor and train new personnel and collaborate with staff.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Primary Role: The Teacher provides leadership to teacher aides, foster grandparents, and volunteers, aiming to deliver an enriching child development experience based on educational principles. This role serves as a positive role model for staff, parents, children, and visitors, directly impacting teaching, learning, and child supervision in alignment with Performance Standards and State Licensing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead classroom activities, fostering a stimulating environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and emotional growth among children.
• Utilize engaging methods to present learning situations that challenge and inspire children, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills.
• Plan and coordinate all educational activities within the classroom, ensuring alignment with curriculum goals and standards.
• Create and implement lesson plans tailored to advance the intellectual and physical development of children, ensuring readiness for school.
• Support the social and emotional development of each child through thoughtful interactions and a nurturing atmosphere.
• Facilitate strong partnerships with families, encouraging their active participation in the Head Start program and enhancing the parent-child relationship.
• Promote health and safety practices within the classroom, maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment.
• Address personal care needs sensitively and promptly, ensuring all children feel supported and respected.
• Collaborate with teacher aides and other staff to ensure cohesive support for children’s learning and development.
• Provide mentorship and training for new personnel, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Maintain accurate records of children’s progress and developmental milestones, ensuring timely collection and submission of participant information into ChildPlus, TSG, AND Developmental folders.
• Communicate effectively with parents regarding their child's development, accidents, or health concerns.
• Stay informed about current practices and research in Early Childhood Education, attending meetings and training sessions as required.

Performance Measures

• Child Development Outcomes:
• Achieve a minimum of 80% of children demonstrating progress in literacy and numeracy skills by the end of the program year, as measured through ongoing assessments.
• Family Engagement:
• Increase family participation in classroom activities by 20% annually, tracked through attendance and feedback surveys.
• Maintain a safe and welcoming classroom environment, with at least 90% of families reporting satisfaction in annual surveys regarding their child’s learning experience.
• Professional Growth:
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of professional development training annually, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

Requirements

Required Skills and Expectations

• In-depth understanding of child development principles, particularly for children from infancy to age three.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with staff, children, families, and community members.
• Ability to adapt to change and implement feedback effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple deadlines efficiently.
• Commitment to respecting privacy and confidentiality for all program participants.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• At least one year of professional experience working with preschool-aged children.