ECU Head Start Lead Teacher (Grant Funded) - Cherokee Nation

Responsible for the total classroom operation, under the supervision of the Center Operations Specialist or Site Supervisor, as per Federal Performance Standards, State Licensing guidelines, Cherokee Nation Policies and Procedures and the Early Childhood Unit Amended Policies and Procedures, and all other applicable standards and Education Resource Guides. Responsible for assuring that all center staff adheres to standards and policies. Responsible for being the Director of the Center for State Licensing purposes. Obtains and maintains; licensing standards and star status as prescribed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) and must.

Directly responsible for primary care of three and four-year-old children in group care. Interacts with the children based upon knowledge of the appropriate behavior for the specific age of the children in care and sees that they are productively occupied. Facilitates appropriate interaction among children by utilizing positive discipline techniques making sure program guidelines and licensing standards are met. Works closely with the other faculty in all aspects of the program such as lesson plans, Individual Education Plans for Disabilities (IEP), Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP), Individual Learning Plans (ILP). Responsible for conducting two Home Visits and Two-Parent Teacher Conferences during the school team and submit paperwork to the supervisor. Responsible for assuring the classroom is clean, sanitized and safe for children to include assuring playground is free of any hazards all on a daily basis. Manage each child’s individual assessments, monthly lesson plans, and objectives in order to meet the child’s developmental needs. Supervises and conducts activities for children according to the daily schedule and lesson plans ensuring the children is productively occupied at all times and that staff is providing the same services. Maintains 100% Center enrollment by replacing children with drop with another enrollee immediately. Must maintain a waiting list. It also strives to maintain 85% center attendance for students and reports reasons for noncompliance, absences, or tardiness according to the procedure. Schedules, conducts and documents staff planning meetings each week, maintains center responsibilities, reviews and discussed all in-coming correspondence as applicable. Supervises evaluates and approves/disapproves all leave for center staff assigned. Responsible for on-site training, education and/or mentoring of classroom staff assigned in order to keep staff tracking. Assures that child/staff ratios are maintained at all times as prescribed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) licensing and performance standards. Assures the completion of all documentation required of each classroom/center and that center records and forms are completed and updated within specified time frames. Maintains confidentiality in all programs and family matters. Responsible for supervision of food service staff and oversees food service operations for centers assigned by ensuring the menu is followed preparation and service is on time served at correct temperatures, monitors food purchasing (items and amount purchased) in assuring the kitchen is kept organized, clean and sanitized on a daily basis.Assures that all non-compliance issues, as noted on-site visits and inspections, are corrected within the specified time frames. It provides a safe and healthy environment for the children. Prepares the classroom, bus, and center environment by making sure the room is safe, sanitized thoroughly, daily and orderly and making sure the environment meets licensing standards and assuring the playground is free of any hazards. Arranges, in cooperation with other center staff, all monthly parent meetings and contacting qualified presents in the area of interest expressed by the parent. Encourages parent engagement and achieves and maintains good parent and teacher relationships. Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises 5-20 employees in the Early Childhood Unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Child Development preferred.

Or

Bachelor’s Degree in any field with at least 18 hours of Early Childhood Coursework.

Or

Bachelor’s degree in any field with an Early Childhood Education Teaching Certificate.

Or

Associate's degree in Early Childhood or Child Development and experience in Head Start or Early Head Start.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

Additional one-year experience in a related field.

COMPUTER SKILLS

An individual should have knowledge of Database software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Must possess a valid driver's license with a driving history verified through a motor vehicle report that meets requirements for Cherokee Nation underwriting rating. Must obtain within one (1) year a Commercial Chauffer's licenses and pass a Bus Driver's certification class for those centers that require driving a bus. Must possess or obtain within one year a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for preschool, Food Handlers Card, CPR and First Aid Certification Medication Administration (MAT), Blood Borne Pathogens, Fire Extinguisher Safety, and Child Protection training.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Employee must not and will not be under sanction by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or by the General Services Administration (GSA) or listed on the OIG’s Cumulative Sanction Report, or the GSA’s List of Excluded Providers, or listed on the OIG’s List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Must meet and maintain pre-employment and periodic background investigation and adjudiation
for child care.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.