ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· All other duties as assigned by direct supervisor or management.
· Assess individual child and group needs, and make appropriate referrals.
· Assist and support in the orientation and training of paraprofessionals, assistant teachers and substitutes.
· Assist other classroom staff in providing a variety of ways to ensure frequent and consistent contacts with families, such as newsletters, telephone contacts and face to face conversations.
· Assist in the recruitment of children and families to our HS/EHS/GSRP programs.
· Attend parent meetings and orientations.
· Be responsible for delegating classroom responsibilities to assistants, aides and/or volunteers.
· Carry out duties and training requirements as identified in bi-annual performance evaluations and/or through classroom observations conducted by supervisor or other management staff.
· Comply with Agency’s Mission and Culture statements.
· Comply with program and Agency policies and procedures.
· Conduct required regular home visits and conferences.
· Create and utilize lesson plans, based on Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), approved curriculum and program regulations, that reflect parental/cultural influences, and promotes the children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
· Engage with Children and families.
· Establish goals, which promote individual and group educational plans and include parental involvement.
· Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, and effective transition between activities.
· In advance of classroom experiences, prepare materials to support lesson plans and the curriculum.
· Maintain accurate written records; including but not limited to: assessments, screening instruments, and anecdotal observations and portfolios.
· Provide one-on-one assistance to help individual classroom staff on classroom training needs.
· Responsible to keep assigned work area or classroom clean and assist in facility checks and miscellaneous housekeeping duties as assigned by direct supervisor.
JOB TITLE: Lead Teacher
REPORTS TO: Center Manager
GRADE: 5
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
· Provide direct supervision of children.
· Develop relationships with children, families, and other staff to ensure continuity and consistency during the child’s enrollment in HS.
· Share information regarding child progress with team members, gather information on home issues and make referrals to Family Service Advocates for emergency family support.
· Work in collaboration with support service staff to meet children’s needs as specified on the Individual Education Plan or behavior plans.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
· Work is performed in a classroom setting and school environment where the noise level is moderate to high.
· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk, bend, stoop and kneel, see and hear, use hands and arms to lift up to 60 lbs. and walk around the classroom, outdoor play area and school facilities.
· Be able to stand different temperatures through the winter, spring, summer, and fall to be able to provide supervision and engagement with children in outside play per program temperature guidelines
· The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:
Education: This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field as defined by the State of Michigan Child Care Licensing qualifications for program director or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, five (5) years of classroom experience and actively pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field as defined by the State of Michigan Child Care Licensing qualifications for program director until completion.
Must also meet State of Michigan director qualifications for child care. 18 credit hours of coursework in early childhood and child care administration are required.
Experience: Experience in supervising and ensuring a safe learning environment for children. Two years’ experience preferred.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Employees within this classification are required to show:
· Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and random screenings as needed.
· Criminal background investigation every five years and/or as needed including fingerprinting
· Pass a physical examination and Tuberculosis (TB) test with negative results upon hire.
· Current First Aid and CPR certification.
· Hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.
· Have access to dependable transportation.
