Lead Teacher - Head Start

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement daily learning experiences that promote school readiness across literacy, language, math, science, and social development
• Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and engaging classroom environment
• Ensure materials and classroom spaces are clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate
• Support children’s social-emotional development through positive guidance strategies
• Individualize learning by setting goals and adapting instruction for each child
• Document and assess children’s progress to guide instruction and outcomes 

• Build strong relationships with families and encourage active participation in their child’s learning
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and required home visits
• Communicate regularly with families to support child development and school readiness
• Complete required program touchpoints, including home visits within 30 days of enrollment and annual conferences
• Participate in at least one recruitment or outreach event each year

• Supervise and support Teacher Associates, Assistants, substitutes, and volunteers
• Coordinate classroom operations, including schedules, supplies, and daily routines
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and agency policies
• Maintain strong relationships with partner programs and school staff
• Collaborate with specialists, including behavioral health staff, to support children with additional needs
• Communicate any safety concerns or policy issues to leadership promptly 

• Maintain required credentials and complete ongoing professional development
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards
• Promote EBCAP services and connect families to additional supports
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and program-wide initiatives
• Contribute to a positive team culture and high-quality program delivery

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Strong leadership and team supervision skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to create an inclusive, engaging learning environment
• Strong organizational and classroom management skills
• Ability to support children with varying developmental and behavioral needs
• Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Experience teaching in an early childhood education setting

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
• Experience with Creative Curriculum and assessment tools
• Familiarity with Conscious Discipline and Incredible Years approaches

• Ability to effectively guide and support children with complex needs
• Strong interpersonal skills and team orientation
• Ability to build trust with children, families, and colleagues

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and actively engage in classroom activities
• Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the day
• Ability to use a computer and classroom equipment as needed
• Visual and auditory ability to safely supervise children and classroom environments