Lead Teacher

NORTH COAST CHILDRENS SERVICES; Arcata (CA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

NORTH COAST CHILDRENS SERVICES is seeking a Lead Teacher to develop and implement classroom activities, coordinate services with the Center Director and staff, and maintain program consistency for children and families.

The role emphasizes individualized approaches, safety, and adherence to Head Start guidelines. Strong communication with parents and community members is essential for program success.

Qualifications

• Must possess an Associate Teacher Permit on the Child Development Matrix.
• Three units in Administration desirable; associate level degree preferred for Head Start.
• One year teaching experience in a preschool setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement daily curriculum; post weekly lesson plans and conduct field trips.
• Develop plans to meet individual needs of each child and family with staff.
• Create a safe, stimulating learning environment and assign classroom duties.
• Communicate program policies to parents, staff and community members.
• Assist with recruitment, attendance records, and daily/monthly reporting.

Skills

Strong communication

Classroom management

Child development knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Associate Teacher Permit (Child Development Matrix)

Associate degree preferred

Three units in Infant/Toddler Development or Curriculum

Job description

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the development and implementation of all classrooms activities. The Team Teacher will work closely with the Center Director/Teacher to coordinate services for children, families, and the program. They must maintain the program consistency regarding rules, individualization for the children, and program expectations. Must have 12 core in ECE/CD (with 3 units in Infant/Toddler Development or Curriculum) and meet Associate Teacher Level on the Child Development Permit Matrix.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and implement daily curriculum in accordance with appropriate program guidelines. Write and post weekly lesson plans at the center. Plan and conduct field trips.
• Develop plans and activities to meet the individual needs of each child and his/her family in collaboration with other NCS staff.
• Developprogramcomponentswhicharesensitivetowardeachchild’srights,needs, and cultural/socioeconomic background.
• Develop a safe, stimulating learning environment. Assign staff to, and share in, housekeeping duties.
• Befamiliarwithandcommunicateinformationonprogrampoliciesandproceduresto parents, staff, and interested community members.
• Befamiliarwithandfollowapplicablefundingtermsandconditions.
• Assistwithrecruitmentofchildrenand familiesandmayberesponsiblefordailyand monthly attendance record under the absence of the Center Director.
• Organizedailypreparationtimetoinclude,butnotlimitedto:
  • Preparecurriculumand dailyactivities,develop,andobtainneededmaterialsand supplies. Set up the entire classroom to reflect the study/lesson and interests of the children in the program.

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• Evaluatedailyprogramandeachchild'sprogress.
• Assistinconductingdevelopmentalscreeningsandinthemaintenanceof pertinent child development assessments and records.
• Perform other tasks required for efficient program operation.
• Assist children in self-help skills and daily routines including toileting, dressing, eating, napping, etc.
• Trainanddirectstaff,volunteersandparentsthatareworkingintheclassroomwith them.
• Attend staff, parent and community meetings as required.
• Communicate pertinent information regarding a child’s growth and development to parents and staff (in partnership with Head Start Staff regarding co-enrolled children). Uphold confidentiality of child and family information.
• Implementguidancetechniqueswithchildrenwhichareappropriatetothesituation and aid individual children who experience difficulty in the group.
• Assist with preparation, service and cleanup of food program when appropriate.
• Screen children daily for health problems. Contact parents when a child becomes ill or hurt. Administer first aid when needed.
• Attendandparticipateinappropriatein-serviceandtrainingprograms.
• BefamiliarwithandadheretothepoliciesandproceduresasoutlinedbytheNCS Personnel Policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

• MustpossessaminimumofanAssociateTeacherPermitontheChildDevelopment Matrix.Three(3)unitsinAdministrationaredesirable.(Associates level degree preferred for all programs and required for a Head Start classroom)
• Possessminimumofoneyearteachingexperienceinapreschoolsetting.Oneyear supervising at least one other staff person is desirable.

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• Mustbesensitivetotheneedsandcharacteristicsof youngchildren.Musthavethe ability to relate well to other staff members, parents and community members.
• Mustpossessaworkingknowledgeofchildcareprograms,childgrowthand development, and curriculum planning.
• Musthavetheabilitytoworkwithprofessionalsandnon-professionalsofvaried backgrounds.
• Possessbasicknowledgeoffirstaid,childguidancetechniques,communication skills and child development.
• Mustbeabletodealwithcrisissituationsintheclassroominacalm,mature, and sensitive manner.
• Havetheabilitytodevelopwarm,openrelationshipswithchildren,parents,and staff.

PhysicalRequirements

• Must successfully complete a health screening and provide proof of the absence of TB no later than 7 days following the date of hire.
• Physicalabilitytoliftandcarrychildrenupto40poundsforsafetyreasons.
• Physicalagilitytobend,stoop,walk,reachoverhead,push/pull,squat,twistandturn.

HealthandSafetyTrainingRequirements

• Mustpossess,orbewillingtoobtainwithin30days,acurrentpediatricfirstaidand pediatric CPR certificate (EMSA approved training).
• Mustprovidedocumentationof15hoursofHealthandSafetytrainingasprescribedby Community Care Licensing.Hours from current first aid and CPR certificates count toward this requirement.(EMSA approved training)
• Must have a current Criminal Record Clearance with current Child Abuse Index Check on file with Community Care Licensing, or provide fingerprints and a Child Abuse Index Check prior to the first day of work in order to obtain a Criminal Record Clearance from the Department of Justice.