Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Early ECEAP Lead Teacher provides infants and toddlers with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that will help them develop in all domains in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. The Lead Teacher works in collaboration with the assistant teacher and site team to enhance the parent's role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.

This position has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Contributes to the development of communicating mutual respect, mutual support, competence, and creativity among all members of the Head Start and ECEAP staff
• Provides leadership, mentorship, and support to assistant teachers
• In collaboration with other site staff, supports and participates in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment
• Plans and develops a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities
• Prepares and implements lesson plans in accordance with the ECEAP program performance standards and program service plans. Provides an integrated, child-centered, comprehensive curriculum and multicultural environment, which meets the needs of every child, including those with disabilities
• Interacts positively with all children to support their individual learning and meets their emotional needs
• Collaborates with Assistant Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom program
• Communicates regularly and respectfully with families and involves them in the educational program. Encourages and supports families in working toward goals that they have set for themselves
• Collaborates with site team in planning and facilitating family events/meetings. When working with diverse populations, accesses interpreters
• Conducts four (4) hours of educational planning meetings annually with each child's family
• Completes written observations of individual children throughout the year. Develops a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry. Maintains complete confidential records on each child
• Administers standardized screening tools on every child within 90 days of school entry. Rescreens and refers as necessary
• Assists with planning, preparation, and serving of snacks and meals; participates in and facilitates mealtime service, and joins children at the table for support and conversation
• Teaches and oversees health habits in the classroom, i.e., handwashing, toothbrushing, etc. Administers first aid as needed. Checks indoor and outdoor environments for safety hazards. Works in collaboration with the Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed
• Supervises, trains, and supports preschool teaching assistants. Assists with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers to participate in the classroom
• Participates in interdisciplinary planning for children and families to include staffings, multidisciplinary teams, individual education plans, and other cross-component coordination efforts
• Participates in in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, and other education opportunities to gain knowledge and skills throughout the year
• In collaboration with Assistant Teacher, families, and site team, ensures smooth transitions for children and families to before- and after school 
• Responsible to keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates
• Complies with Akin policies and procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

Able to participate as positive, productive tea