Support Lead Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for day-to-day operation and management of the classroom when supporting the need of an unavailable teacher. Responsible for guiding and directing the learning experiences for children by providing a developmentally appropriate learning environment.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain availability to be reached by a teacher needing to coordinate classroom coverage.
• Works according to a schedule determined by Site Supervisor in all classrooms relieving teachers forbreaks, to work on lesson plans, Creative Curriculum, TS Gold etc. when not assigned to a classroom for teacher coverage.
• Provides coverage for I.E.P meetings.
• Provides the following functions when filling in for a regularly scheduled classroom teacher:
• Provides developmentally appropriate activities to enhance physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children in the classroom, ensuring each child’s individual needs are met. Prepares andimplements lesson plans in collaboration with teacher assistant using established curricula ensuring that small group, large group and individual experiences are provided.
• Guides children in developing basic concepts as prescribed in the education, nutrition, health, dental and mental health plans. Prepares children for screening and exam procedures such as vision, hearing, dental, speech, and developmental to encourage successful completion.
• Maintains ongoing observation and assessment on each child within the classroom utilizing required tracking tools, i.e. Creative Curriculum/TS Gold system. Daily observation will include anecdotal notes, health checks, and other tracking requirements.
• Develops and maintains Education Child Portfolio for each child in the classroom with required and current documentation.

• Ensures referral is completed and submitted to the appropriate service area for any child with a suspected delay or any other area of concern.
• Participates in the child staffing process with the Inclusion services team and LEA, including the completion of required paperwork, attending staffings and implementation of the IEP when child is determined eligible.
• Implements and documents organized play in the outdoor learning environment. Provides appropriateguidance to promote children’s gross motor development. Balances indoor and outdoor activities to stimulate both cognitive growth and physical skills.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly classroom and playground area. Monitors and reports in writing to supervisor any needed repairs and takes appropriate action to correct any unsafe area.
• Establishes and maintains an adequately supplied classroom, ensuring the physical and developmental needs of all children are met. Prepares requests for and purchases all classroom supplies/equipment with supervisor approval.
• Provides and participates in learning experiences that allow children to solve problems, initiate activities, explore, question and gain mastery through learning by doing. Encourages language development of children by asking open ended questions.
• Supports the development of children’s positive self-concept and social skills through the promotion of cultural and ethnic acceptance and experiences.
• Provides direct supervision to children at all times; maintaining child/staff ratios in accordance with policies and regulations.
• Maintains accurate classroom attendance, assuring the sign in/out sheet corresponds with the number of children in the classroom at all times. Provides information to Family Advocate of any known reason for child absence.
• Posts and reviews current menu in classroom for discussion with children. Participates with children at mealtimes, including breakfast and lunch, ensuring family-style dining is implemented.
• Plans and implements healthy cooking experiences within the classroom setting that reflect the ethnic and cultural composition of the population.
• Assists in planning and participates in regular safety and fire/storm drills. Assures that emergency procedures and evacuation routes are posted in the classroom.

• Works collaboratively with health staff to ensure a well-stocked first aid kit, safe and secure medicationstorage unit and to ensure OSHA standards are met. Ensures family emergency cards are current and available.
• Maintains and documents regular contact with parents ensuring two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences are conducted yearly. Recruits parents as volunteers in the classroom/center.Documents/reports parent participation in center activities.
• Completes two individualized home activities each month per child and provides to parents. Acquaints volunteers with the classroom. Prepares parent bulletin board and ensures compliance with program standards.
• Emphasizes the importance of child cleanliness/hygiene, assuring that hand washing takes place at appropriate times throughout the day and tooth brushing takes place after lunch. Ensures children’s hands and face are clean upon departing for the day.
• Plan and participate in educational field trips meeting Head Start requirements.
• Maintains appropriate documentation required by USDA/Child Care Food Program and ensures quality of data and timelines for completion.
• Provides professional guidance to and collaborates with the teacher assistant in all classroom duties.
• Actively participates in center/classroom activities, parent meetings and annual parent activities as requested.
• Reports child abuse and neglect in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Assists in the recruitment of children for the program. Participates in community activities as requested that enhance the Head Start program.
• Acts as an advocate and role model for Head Start families. Recruits children for the program.
• Assists in the development and implementation of the annual training plan, including pre- service, in-service, T/TA, and ongoing training requirements.
• Attends and actively participates in training programs, staff meetings, and other meeting/trainings.
• Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff and agency information.
• Maintains effective working interaction with coworkers and outside contacts that will enhance the operation of the Head Start program.
• Organizes and prioritizes all assignments as directed.