Head Start Lead Teacher

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Will work to improve children's verbal and non-verbal functioning, self-image, attention span, body awareness through a mastery of gross motor skills and school/parent/teacher/child relationships. Promote social emotional growth and cognition in order to establish kindergarten readiness skills
• Prepare classroom environment for daily activities, providing a safe environment in accordance with Head Start Curriculum and Performance Standards.
• Plan student lessons that provide variety and flexibility. Provide activities that will be child-oriented and culturally sensitive. Lessons should include exploration of the child's environment and provide for individual differences that will prepare students to be ready for kindergarten.
• Create lessons that are developmentally appropriate and focus on social- emotional growth, physical growth, language development, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies and arts.
• Establish positive approaches to learning
• Plan scheduling to meet individual child needs.
• Provide individual testing and assessments as required.
• Advocate for student needs
• Follow all Lake Ridge and Geminus protocols as developed in the service area plans.
• Create a partnership with each family developing a rapport that will enable a team approach to student success.
• Engage and offer opportunities for parents to volunteer in your classroom.
• Will have a working knowledge of computer skills.
• Will model mealtime with children in order to take advantage of the teaching opportunities offered during that time.
• Will refer children with special needs to the appropriate staff members for follow-up services.
• Will establish a positive and productive relationship with parents, regularly sharing information on their child's progress.
• Will collaborate with other staff members and work cooperatively in carrying out major objectives, including combined group activities and Project Based Learning Experiences.
• Will attend training and self-development opportunities.
• Will employ self-evaluation techniques to maintain and improve teaching skills.
• Will set professional growth goals yearly.
• Will participate in annual revision and rewriting of the Service Area Plans for education.
• Will attend staff meetings
• Will fulfill obligations as set forth in the Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Service Area Plans as adopted.
• Any other duties as requested by Director

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education, previous work with preschool children is desirable.
• Spanish as first or second language would be helpful.
• Must be physically active and able to lead children in physical activities that promote good gross motor skills.