Position Summary: The Early Head Start Lead Teacher (EHST) is responsible for the daily programming for children enrolled at St. Joseph Academy in the Early Head Start program. The role includes providing developmentally appropriate practices and high quality early care and education. The EHST ensures that the needs of children and their families are understood and communicated as the primary SJA liaison. The EHST will have strong knowledge of working with children from birth to age three in order to adapt curriculum and expectations as they loop with the children served. The EHST implements the early childhood program within local, state and federal guidelines, rules, regulations and laws, Wisconsin licensing, Federal Early Head Start Standards, and accreditation standards.
Position Reports to: ECEC Director
Qualifications:
BA degree in early childhood education or related field preferred (Staff meeting minimum requirement of an Early Childhood Associates Degree, Child Development Associate (CDA) or successful completion of 12 college credits in Infant/Toddler early childhood education)
2+ years experience within early care working in a licensed childcare setting working with from birth to three years.
Knowledge of Early Head Start standards
Exemplary interpersonal, collaborative, and planning skills
Interest and ability to support children and their families
Ability to analyze an issue, identify options, and implement solutions
Ability to work cooperatively with people in and outside of the Education/Childcare Services department
Ability to communicate (verbally and in writing) and effectively interact with children, their family members, management, and staff members
Ability to respond positively to work direction and guidance from others
Ability to work independently, managing multiple demanding tasks under critical timeframes
Equipment Used: personal computers, printers, phone systems, fax machine, photocopier
Physical and Mental Requirements: Must have ability to sit (25%), walk/stand (75%), routinely throughout the shift. Must be able to periodically lift up to 50 lbs. Must have functional senses/manual dexterity to carry out the job; communicate effectively; and use of office equipment. Must have the ability to deal effectively with the stress of managing emergency/critical situations and multiple tasks.
Environmental Conditions:
Performs duties with exposure to infectious or communicable diseases inherent to care children, and occasional exposure to loud or unpleasant voices due to unpredictable behavior of the children and seasonal exposure to high humidity, heat and cold due to the internal and external environment.
Essential Functions: Quality Assurance
Ensures consistent compliance and meets all YoungStar, accreditation and/or licensing regulations
Adheres to federal deadlines for the completion of paperwork.
Teaching practices that are planned and executed reflect developmentally appropriate curriculum for children
Classroom environment is in compliance with Youngstar, licensing and accreditation standards: cleaned; well-organized; maintained and refreshed with appropriate learning centers, displays and bulletin boards
Educational materials and toys are cleaned, sanitized, in good repair, stored and organized to optimize child safety and use
Maintains and refreshes well designed, child-focused bulletin boards that reflect children’s work and interests
Develops and implements lesson plans in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, SJA philosophy and policies
Enforces policies and procedures that ensure our compliance with the WI Department of Children and Families licensing requirements, Head Start Program Performance Standards and accreditation standards
Maintains supervision of children assigned to him/her at all times--alert to signs of illness or stress; informs Program Supervisor regarding children who may be showing signs of physical, emotional, or developmental problems
Ensures that all teachers will engage positively with children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in SJA and Next Door’s Child Management policies and procedures
Completes two home visits per year and two parent conferences.
Customer Relations
Ensures each family’s right to information about their child’s progress while maintaining privacy and confidentiality, at all times
Extends excellent service to all children and families
Communicates verbally and in writing all pertinent information to assist in family satisfaction
Establishes appropriate relationships with children, parents/guardians, staff, and the public which ensures a safe environment that protects children/families’/staff rights
Fosters an environment that allows children, their families and staff to develop to their fullest potential
Cultivates positive relationships with children, parents and families
Assists children and parents in orienting to- and making a smooth transition from home to Center and from classroom to classroom
Solicits information from families about their cultural background and interests
Maintains day-to-day communication with parents, including interpretation and follow through of the SJA philosophy and policies
Participates in family-centered events within the Center and the community
Child Outcomes
Ensures children have the opportunity to learn, progress and achieve developmentally appropriate outcomes
Develops lesson plans that are hands-on, developmentally appropriate, and incorporate activities which reflect the interests and life experiences of the children assigned—consistent with Creative Curriculum objectives
Informs parents of their child’s developmental progress at least quarterly
Completes developmental assessment of individual children within the class and meet with families to discuss the assessment twice yearly
Establishes and maintains individual child and classroom portfolios—transferring portfolios as the child matriculates through the Center
Assesses the assigned children and uses information to plan and execute lessons
Maintains assessment records including written anecdotal notes on the attainment and progress towards each developmental goal
Maintains child and classroom records including weekly menus, meal counts, child attendance, and enrollment records
Responds quickly and directly to the needs of children
Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities