Fort Scott Lead Teacher: Ages 3-5

$19 - $25/Yr

Educate Kansas - Girard, OH

Full-time - Entry Level

Girard, OH

About the position

The Lead Teacher for ages 3-5 at SEK-CAP, Inc. is responsible for promoting and modeling excellence in daily program operations that support quality services for children and families. This role involves creating a learning environment where all staff can thrive, obtaining and sharing knowledge of early childhood development theories, and leading the center staff and volunteers in best practices. The Lead Teacher will also conduct home visits, parent-teacher conferences, and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans tailored to individual children's needs. Compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and other relevant policies is essential, as is the provision of various services to families, including education, health, and nutrition. The position requires regular supervision and support of staff, participation in mental health consultations, and advocacy for Head Start children and families.

Responsibilities

• Promote and model excellence in daily program operations.
• Obtain and share knowledge of theories and techniques regarding Early Childhood development.
• Responsible for daily leadership, supervision, training, and modeling of best practices for center staff and volunteers.
• Basic care for the needs of children including toileting, family style meals, and daily routines.
• Conduct home visits and parent teacher conferences.
• Create and implement developmentally appropriate weekly lesson plans individualizing for children's needs by using observations.
• Work cooperatively with Family Services and other professionals.
• Implement and maintain the Head Start Performance Standards, Policies and Procedures, and best practices.
• Provide regular supervision and support of staff through recognized practices such as reflective supervision, training, and performance appraisal systems.
• Participate in monthly mental health clinical consultations to support staff, enrolled children, and their families.
• Observe in the classroom to help provide staff ongoing support and training.
• Be responsible for the provision of Education, Social Services, Parent Involvement, Health, Nutrition, Mental Health, and Disability services to assigned families.
• Lead classroom staff to recruit, train and schedule parent and community volunteers.
• Facilitate and plan classroom team meetings, guiding the problem-solving process.
• Responsible for completion of data entry in agency approved data system.
• Be available for travel within agency area and occasional out of area trips for training and professional development.
• Be an advocate for Head Start children and families.
• Model for staff and families appropriate ways to engage with children 3-5 years old.
• Provide child progress reports during parent teacher conferences, home visits and/or upon request of parent.
• Identify children's nutritional needs and ensure that allergy/dietary information is communicated to necessary staff.
• Complete necessary forms and documentation relevant to program and staff management.
• Assess children and help support staff and families to conduct developmental and social emotional screenings.
• Individualize teaching to enable children to attain school readiness and social emotional goals.
• Ensure parents/primary caregivers are informed of all policies included in the Parent Handbook.
• Develop relationships with education and administrative staff at local schools for smooth transitions for Head Start children.
• Participate in IEP and/or IFSP meetings for assigned children with special needs.
• Set up a developmentally appropriate classroom based on Head Start Performance Standards.
• Responsible for requesting, ordering, or purchasing items needed for classroom and center.
• Screen and observe the developmental level of each child making appropriate referrals to local Special Education Services.
• Directly supervise assistant teacher and paraprofessional positions.
• Cross train for all center positions.
• Be available as first line of communication with classroom staff.
• Complete and submit performance appraisals for staff you will be supervising.
• Ability to work unconventional business hours.
• Utilize Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to prevent and reduce challenging behavior.
• Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.
• Maintain dependable, punctual attendance, and adhere to appropriate break times.
• Attend mandatory In-Service trainings and staff meetings.
• Report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.
• Advocate for SEK-CAP, Inc. in the community.
• Maintain and assure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP customers.
• Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP.
• Support management decisions both in actions and words.

Requirements

• Basic computer and electronic equipment skills.
• Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to get along with diverse personalities.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Resourceful and well organized.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
• Ability to learn and adapt.

Nice-to-haves

• Proficient knowledge of local community resources.
• Previous supervisory experience.

Benefits

• Health Vision Dental and Life Insurance
• 401k with match
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program