Lead Teacher

Montachusett Opportunity Council - Leominster, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Leominster, MA

Social Assistance

About the position

The Lead Teacher at Making Opportunity Count is responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate program that fosters children's overall growth, self-esteem, and social competence. This role involves developing individual goals for children, conducting ongoing assessments of their progress, and facilitating their transition to preschool and/or kindergarten. The Lead Teacher will work closely with families and staff to create a supportive learning environment that promotes school readiness and lifelong learning.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Head Start philosophy and objectives as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards, program policies, and procedures.
• Maintain an EEC personnel file on site including a current physical, immunizations, qualifications, and training certificates.
• Post all required documents in the classrooms as indicated in EEC, Head Start standards, and program policies.
• Review parent permissions on file for emergency release people and releasing of information.
• Review all children's files including medical information for health issues and follow individual health plans.
• Follow the program's child abuse and neglect policy and behavior management plan.
• Interact with children respectfully and affectionately, fostering positive self-concept and independence.
• Provide an environment for children to learn and practice appropriate behaviors by arranging classroom materials to meet their needs.
• Design and implement a developmentally appropriate, multi-cultural curriculum that maximizes each child's opportunity for success.
• Guide and direct assistant teachers, aides, volunteers, and student teachers, sharing planning and observations daily.
• Use space, material, and routine to establish a safe and interesting environment that encourages exploration and learning.
• Participate in grocery shopping and food preparation in accordance with guidelines.
• Maintain an open, friendly, and informative relationship with each child's family, encouraging involvement in the program.
• Complete home visits and parent/teacher conferences as needed to ensure smooth transitions.
• Initiate bi-weekly staff meetings with the classroom team and support staff to discuss relevant information.
• Check and respond to Agency email regularly.
• Work cooperatively and maintain professional relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Complete daily health and safety checklists and report any safety concerns promptly.
• Ensure all children are safe and accounted for, under direct supervision of qualified staff.
• Assume responsibility to work independently and meet program timelines.
• Review and evaluate one's own teaching strategies to align with state standards and program goals.
• Participate in at least 20 hours of training per year to comply with standards.
• Follow all Health and Safety requirements during diapering and toileting.
• Perform other tasks as assigned within scope.

Requirements

• AA Degree in Early Education or related field with 6 ECE classes; BA preferred.
• EEC Lead Teacher certificate.
• Exhibit cultural sensitivity.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.
• Willingness to pursue further education and training in Early Education.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in early childhood education settings.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Skills in curriculum development and implementation.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• 15 Paid Vacation Days
• 12 Paid Sick Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Hybrid Work Opportunities
• Student Loan Forgiveness Assistance
• Tuition Remission
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Discounts
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Immediate 403b Employer Contribution, 100% Vesting on Day One