Lead Teacher

mmcaa; Farwell (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

MMCAA seeks a dedicated Early Childhood Educator to implement developmentally appropriate programs for eligible children in alignment with curriculum and funding guidelines. The role emphasizes family involvement, data entry, and maintaining a safe, nurturing classroom environment.

You will work closely with regional coordinators and site staff to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual goals, while actively participating in training, staff meetings and community events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development or ECE or teaching degree with ZS/ZA endorsement.
• Family Service Credential within 18 months of hire or first session offered thereafter.
• 16 hours of annual training in addition to CPR, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogen training.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated strength as a leader and ability to present to community groups.
• Knowledge of Head Start standards, Head Start Act, GSRP and licensing regulations.
• Teaching Strategies Gold, Creative Curriculum and Child Plus preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute developmentally appropriate curriculum with activities meeting Service Delivery Plan components.
• Actively engage young children in intentional learning.
• Ensure the safety and well‑being of every child in care.
• Promote teamwork with staff, management, policy council, and school personnel.
• Engage families in the program including goal setting.
• Observe and assess children’s learning and enter data into databases.
• Maintain a safe, developmentally appropriate classroom environment and staffing ratios.
• Recruit families and promote agency programs within the community.
• Attend staff meetings, training opportunities, and community events.

Skills

Engage children

Team collaboration

Data entry

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Child Development/ECE or teaching degree (ZS/ZA)

Family Service Credential within 18 months

CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogen training (annual)

Job description

General Responsibilities

• Implement a developmentally appropriate program for eligible children following the curriculum and funding source guidelines in coordination with management staff.
• Ensure quality program service delivery.
• Protect the privacy of customers/families and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of service.

Specific Duties

• Execute a developmentally appropriate curriculum, providing activities to meet required components of the Service Delivery Plan, enhancing the physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth of young children.
• Must be able to actively engage young children in intentional learning.
• Responsible to assure the safety and well‑being of every child in care.
• Promote a team approach in program coordination with site staff, management staff, Policy Council and area school personnel.
• Must actively engage family involvement in the program, including child and family goal setting.
• Must observe and assess children’s learning and enter necessary data into applicable databases.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining a developmentally appropriate and safe classroom environment.
• Responsible for maintaining classroom staffing ratios at all times.
• Be able to perform as an effective team member and promote positive concepts in the classroom.
• Responsible for conducting two home visits and two parent‑teacher conferences annually.
• Must effectively supervise classroom staff, as well as volunteers/subs.
• Responsible for the distribution and collection of in‑kind.
• Analyze child outcome data for use in daily planning and individualization.
• Accurately enter necessary data into Child Plus as required.
• Accurately complete required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner.
• Responsible for training and ongoing support of designated staff.
• Work effectively with Regional Coordinator and Component Coordinators in meeting program and overall departmental monthly, quarterly and annual goals and objectives.
• Accurately complete required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner.
• Recruit families and promote agency programs within the community.
• Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, training opportunities, as identified and approved by supervisors.
• Attend community events and meetings to support the agency programs; including evening and weekend events/meetings.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education or a teaching degree with a ZS or ZA endorsement.
• Family Service Credential within 18 months of hire or the first session offered thereafter.
• Must complete 16 hours of annual training in addition to CPR, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogen training.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability as a strength based leader.
• Demonstrated ability to present information to community groups.
• Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Great Start Readiness Program Implementation Manual, and State Licensing Regulations.
• Teaching Strategies Gold, Creative Curriculum, and Child Plus preferred.
• Head Start/GSRP experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies Gold/Child Plus preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Possess a solid knowledge base with respect to child development and family services and seek to expand knowledge at every opportunity.
• Complete additional certifications as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and code of ethics at all times.
• Must have Proficient Computer Skills. (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and MMCAA’s “Insurance Carriers” driving record review.
• Successfully complete required background checks at time of hire and when requested.
• Shall provide written report by a physician stating their physical capability and freedom from communicable tuberculosis.
• Must have good communication and organizational skills, and be able to work effectively with people.
• Must be self‑directed and able to multi‑task in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must possess the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allocated time frames.
• Must be willing to accept new challenges.
• The ability to navigate and effectively resolve conflict.
• Must comply with Agency tobacco free and drug free policies.
• Understand the importance of daily work attendance, and its impact on coworkers, clients, and the agency.
• Must be able to lift and carry a child weighing 45 pounds in an emergency situation.
• Must be able to bend, squat, and sit on the floor.
• Must be physically capable of performing CPR (with appropriate training).
• Must be able to work at the same level as a preschool child – bend, sit on floor or child’s chair, squat.