Head Teacher - AA/BA

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction and general supervision of the Center Director, has primary responsebilility for providing quality early childhood education experiences through a center-based program for a diverse population of children aged 3-5 years. Provides support, guidance and leadership for assistants and volunteers. Participates as a member of a teaching team which implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Supports agency Family Engagement goals. Assists in maintaining support services for special needs children. Maintains positive working relationship with supervisors, coworkers and families. Follows all Head Start Performance Standards, Agency and Program policies and procedures and other applicable Federal and State regulations to successfully accomplish Agency and Program goals and objectives. Adhere to agency confidentiality policy with respect to information and records concerning children, families and staff. Maintain professional and ethical standards in accordance with agency policy, code of conduct and legal requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS LEVEL II

Administrative Duties (30%)

• Acts as onsite administrator per Community Care Licensing Regulations.
• Supervises and evaluates staff as assigned.
• Ensures completion of: staff leave of absence or medical leave request form, employee status changes are completed, monitor staff break and lunch schedules, monitor update and approve employee timecards.
• Complete employee check-ins including discussion of focal point review goals, assign tasks, successes and noted areas of concern.
• Follow agency FRISK process for performance improvement.
• Acts as a mentor and provides resources to subordinates.
• Ensures timely completion and submission of purchase request and materials request forms to Center Director.
• Perform recordkeeping, including written documentation, scheduled reports, and mandated reporting, in a timely, accurate, and confidential manner.
• Communicates regularly with the Center Director and with other Program and Agency staff regarding the needs of children, families and employees to ensure quality services.
• Participates fully and works cooperatively as a team member; addresses complaints and works to resolve problems effectively and efficiently.
• Enforces the Agency Safety Program.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of position classification.

Direct Services Classroom (70%)

• Acts in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Federal, State and Local regulations pertaining to the safe and healthy operation of a child care center.
• Ensures that the classroom/play yard environments meet health and safety standards established by the program and is in compliance with State and Federal regulations.
• Facilitates and participates in implementation of curriculum and in development of activities.
• Individualize activities based on child’s strengths and areas of growth.
• Administers developmental screenings and assessments, conducts observations, maintains portfolios and shares outcomes with families.
• Conducts four educational conferences, two in the home and two at the site during program year.
• Through screening process assists with identification of possible special needs and/or mental health support. Implements Individualized Education Plans and/or Child and Family Consultant recommendations.
• Provide opportunities for children to socialize, interact and cooperate with one another.
• Provide developmentally appropriate activities and designs classroom interest areas that promote language and literacy, physical, social/emotional and cognitive growth for children which enhances overall approaches to learning.
• Models successful early childhood teaching strategies and techniques and encourages positive interactions among staff, children, parents and with community members.
• Develop mutual expectations with parents for the experience’s children will receive in the classroom.
• Encourages parent participation and engagement in the classroom.
• Provide education to parents on child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Responsible for supporting parents in documentation and collection of educational and classroom in-kind and submits to supervisor.
• Informs and encourages parents of family engagement opportunities.
• Attends and participates in agency trainings, workshops, in-service and staff meetings.
• Participate in setting and achieving professional career development goals.
• Participate in mentor/coaching process including videotaping by supervisor of classroom instruction.
• Acts in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards in meeting health, nutrition, mental health, special needs, family services and ERSEA requirements.
• Serves as an interpreter and/or advocate when necessary for Head Start parents, including translation at parent center committee meetings, parent trainings, conferences, medical/dental appointments and IEP meetings as needed.
• Document in child file for all content areas and contact with families is and is completed thoroughly and legibly.
• Provides education to families on community resources.
• Participates in supporting and attending monthly Parent Center Committee meetings as assigned.
• May be required to provide translation for agency needs.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of position classification.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS LEVEL III

Administrative Duties (30%)

• Perform all duties and responsibilities as outlined for level II.

Direct Services Classroom (70%)

• Perform all duties and responsibilities as outlined for level II.
• Provide technical assistance to staff regarding Head Start practices and procedures as outlined in level II.
• Acts as a mentor to classroom support staff and to Teacher II/III.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Collect and submit monthly education and volunteer in-kind forms to supervisor.
• Compile observations and work samples and update children’s portfolios.
• As needed, interprets for staff and Head Start parents, including translation at parent center committee meetings, parent trainings, conferences, medical/dental appointments and IEP meetings as needed.
• Ensures sanitation of classrooms materials and equipment.
• File family service, education and health related materials in files.
• Make attendance phone calls.
• Maintain and update parent bulletin boards.
• Organize and coordinate monthly parent center committee meetings, including supporting parent center committee officers.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of position classification.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Level II

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field which consists of a minimum of 24 ECE units in which 12 are required to be core units.
• Must possess three or more units in child care administration.
• Minimum two years’ experience working for a child development center- one year at teacher level.
• At least one-year experience working in a supervisory role.
• Must possess 24 units of ECE or Child Development course work.
• Education must have previously included or must be able to successfully complete course work in child abuse, substance abuse and domestic violence within one year of date of hire.
• Must have completed the California Child Care Preventative Health and Safety Class.
• At least one-year prior experience as Head Teacher in preschool operations.
• Ability to operate and drive in a vehicle for up to 2 hours.

Level III

• Bachelor Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field which consists of a minimum of 24 ECE units in which 12 are required to be core units.
• Must possess three or more units in child care administration.
• Two years experiences working in child development, social services or health related agency.
• At least one-year experience working in a supervisory role.
• Must possess 24 units of ECE or Child Development course work.
• Education must have previously included or must be able to successfully complete course work in child abuse, substance abuse and domestic violence within one year of date of hire.
• Must have completed the California Child Care Preventative Health and Safety Class.
• At least one-year prior experience as Head Teacher in preschool operations.
• Ability to operate and drive in a vehicle for up to 2 hours.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of parents or employees of organization.
• Bilingual/biliterate (English/Spanish, English/Hmong or English/Punjabi) and/or other language ability may be required based on program needs.
• Ability to add, subtracts, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compare rate, ratio and percent.
• Ability to understand and use a variety of computer applications and appropriate software, including spreadsheets, word processing; and workplace electronic technology, including internet access, networking and email.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized or not standardized situation.
• Possession of a valid drivers' license; current personal vehicle insurance or safe driving record sufficient to ensure insurability through Agency policy.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle to attend Home Visits as needed.
• Possession of or ability to obtain Pediatric First Aid/CPR Certification within first sixty 60 days of work; must maintain current status.
• State regulations require a physical examination, current tuberculosis test, and verified fingerprint and criminal record clearance before beginning work.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to diversity and understanding the needs of families from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of sound medical, dental and nutritional practices for young children.
• Awareness of community resources and services.
• Effective organizational and time management skills including ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to problem solve and be proactive.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with coworkers, parents, children and members of the community.
• Ability to travel occasionally within and outside the Head Start service area.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends for parent trainings, parent center committee meetings and recruitment events.
• Ability to learn and comply with Head Start Performance Standards, Federal, State and local laws concerning the operation of child care centers.