Lead Teacher EHS (Linda Vista)

MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 33,296 - 50,048; Full time

Job summary

MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee) is looking for a Lead Teacher for their Head Start program in San Marcos, California. This role involves caring for infants and toddlers, implementing education programs, and maintaining clear communication with parents.

The ideal candidate should have a High School Diploma, relevant experience, and knowledge of early childhood education. The position also values bilingual skills and offers opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Must have one year of experience with children 0-3 years in a child-care setting.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking preferred.
• College Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development for certain positions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary caregiver to assigned infants/toddlers.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities.
• Document care and developmental activities accurately.

Skills

Knowledge of early childhood education

Knowledge of bilingual language acquisition

Knowledge of Head Start policies

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Twelve units in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Location: Linda Vista, San Marcos

Hourly - Lead Teacher EHS: $24.17 - $28.72 (DOQ/E)

Hourly - Lead Teacher I EHS: $26.58 - $31.59 (DOQ/E)

Hourly - Lead Teacher II EHS: $30.58 - $36.33 (DOQ/E)

Duration: 50 Weeks

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) are federally funded programs for low‑income and special‑needs children that promote parents as the primary educators. MAAC serves a diverse group of low‑income families in North County, mostly Latino/Hispanic. Children ages 0‑3 (EHS) and 3‑5 (HS) receive comprehensive services to promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The California State Preschool program provides education and developmental services to qualifying children ages 3‑5; parents are encouraged to participate.

DEFINITION

Under direct supervision, the Lead Teacher provides care for infants and toddlers, plans, supervises, and implements the education program in accordance with MAAC Child Development Program’s Early Head Start policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as primary caregiver to assigned infants/toddlers, providing respectful individualized care including feeding, diapering, and holding.
• Assists with assigning children to primary care group and planning individualized transitions into care.
• Partners with parents to provide consistent, culturally sensitive care through daily communication, scheduled home visits and parent conferences.
• Plans and implements age‑appropriate individual and small‑group activities, both indoor and outdoor.
• Sets up, tears down, and cleans indoor and outdoor play spaces.
• Maintains cleanliness and safety in classroom and play areas, sanitizing toys and equipment; assists with laundry.
• Prepares and serves meals and snacks according to individual feeding plans.
• Accurately documents care and developmental activities on daily records and on record‑keeping documents for each child.
• Maintains accurate attendance and meal counts.
• Lifts, carries, and holds children weighing 25–50 lbs.
• Schedules and completes home visits; develops Individual Child Plans and Family Development Plans for each child and family at Phase In, updating at least three times during the school year.
• Attends mandated trainings, programs, conferences, and meetings.
• Assists with personalized services for special‑needs children (specialized training and equipment provided as needed).
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of early childhood education, child development, and anti‑bias education.
• Knowledge of local educational and community resources and how to use them in the classroom.
• Knowledge of bilingual language acquisition.
• Knowledge of Head Start policies and procedures desirable.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking, reading, and writing preferred.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / CERTIFICATION

• Lead Teacher:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Twelve units in Early Childhood Education (ECE), including core units required, and three units in infant/toddler coursework.
  • One year experience with children 0‑3 years in a child‑care setting.
• Lead Teacher I:
  • AA Degree emphasizing Early Childhood Education or Child Development, min. 24 units in ECE, including core units required, and three units in infant/toddler coursework.
  • One year experience with children 0‑3 years in a child‑care setting.
• Lead Teacher II:
  • BA Degree emphasizing Early Childhood Education or Child Development, min. 24 units in ECE or Child Development, and three units in infant/toddler coursework.
  • One year experience with children 0‑3 years in a child‑care setting.
  • Completion of supervised student teaching or experience teaching preschool‑age children.
• Additional requirements for all levels:
  • Must have and maintain a State of California Child Development Associate Level Permit or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
  • Valid CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers certifications must be obtained within the first two months of employment and maintained thereafter; training available through MAAC; costs not reimbursed if obtained outside.

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others; asks clarifying questions; works effectively in a team and participates in joint problem solving; identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development; attends work consistently and punctually; honors private and confidential matters; follows rules, regulations, and policies positively; deals with issues directly, respectfully, and timely; focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person.

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance, drug screen, and immunization records for influenza, pertussis, and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Physical Demands: regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, use hands, reach, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, climb or balance, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Mental Demands: regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC staff and families.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions subject to background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required. California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone working in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal insured vehicle, and an acceptable motor vehicle driving record. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.