Job Description
As a Lead Teacher in the Early ECEAP Program, you'll create a nurturing and positive learning environment for infants and toddlers, helping them grow and develop across all areas. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with the assistant teacher and your site team to support parents in their role as their child's primary educator, strengthening the bond between home and school.
Key Responsibilities:
Foster a culture of respect, support, and creativity within the Head Start and ECEAP team.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to assistant teachers, helping them grow professionally.
Work with the site team to ensure full program enrollment through ongoing recruitment efforts.
Design a daily schedule of activities and routines that meet the developmental needs of children.
Develop and implement lesson plans based on ECEAP performance standards, offering a child-centered, multicultural curriculum that supports children of all abilities.
Interact with each child in a positive and supportive manner, addressing both their learning and emotional needs.
Collaborate with your Assistant Teacher to organize classroom materials and create an engaging learning environment.
Maintain open and respectful communication with families, involving them in their child's learning and encouraging them to work toward personal goals.
Partner with your site team to plan and facilitate family events and meetings, and work with interpreters when necessary to support diverse families.
Conduct at least four annual educational planning meetings with each child's family to discuss progress and set goals.
Observe and document each child's development throughout the year, creating a personalized learning plan within 90 days of school entry.
Administer screening tools to assess each child's development, re-screening and referring them as needed.
Assist in meal preparation and service, ensuring a supportive and engaging mealtime experience.
Teach and model healthy habits such as handwashing and toothbrushing; monitor the classroom and playground for safety concerns.
Work with the Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant to provide additional support when necessary.
Supervise, train, and support teaching assistants, and help recruit and train family and community volunteers.
Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and planning for children, including individual education plans and cross-team coordination.
Attend staff meetings and training sessions to continually grow in your role.
Ensure smooth transitions for children and families to new programs or after-school activities.
Stay informed about program updates and follow organizational policies and procedures.
Qualifications:
Understanding of developmentally appropriate practices for infants and toddlers.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and communicate effectively with families, staff, and volunteers.
Flexibility to adapt to varied situations and new instructional strategies.
Basic clerical skills (record-keeping, filing, typing).
Ability to attend occasional evening meetings.
Physical Requirements:
Regularly required to stand, sit, and use hands to operate a computer; must occasionally reach, stoop, or kneel.
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.
Minimum Requirements:
12 college quarter credits in early childhood education* OR a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
Food Handler's Permit within 30 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are highly desired.
Compensation & Benefits:
Hourly rate: $21.44 to $27.18, depending on experience.
Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401k plan.
Generous paid time off: 10 vacation days, 15 paid holidays, three Employee Appreciation Days, and one sick day accrued per month.
Mental health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits are available.
Join our team and make a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families while building your own skills and career!
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 18.00 23.00 Per Hour
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Remote job, Afternoon shift,