Lead Teacher - Making Opportunity Count Inc
Gardner, MA 01440
About the Job
Tittle: Lead Teacher
Responsible to: Education Specialist
Salary Range: Per SEIU Scale
Basic Function: Responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate program that contributes to children's overall growth, self-esteem and social competence. Develop individual goals for children, provide on-going assessment on progress and facilitate transition to pre-school and/ or kindergarten.
About This Opportunity: Making Opportunity Count is seeking Pre-school & Infant Toddler Lead Teachers. Lead Teachers are required to have a degree in ECE or related field. Responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate program that contributes to children’s overall growth, self-esteem and social competence. Develop individual goals for children, provide on-going assessment on progress and facilitate transition to pre-school and/or kindergarten
Requirements:
- Will consider an applicant who is willing to pursue their education and training in Early Education
- The Lead Teacher must have an AA Degree in Early Education or related field with 6 ECE classes
- BA preferred
- EEC Lead Teacher certificate
- Exhibit cultural sensitivity
- Bi-lingual a plus
Responsibilities:
- Implements the Head Start philosophy and objectives as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards, program policies and procedures, making appropriate decisions regarding emergencies or unscheduled events.
- Maintain own EEC personnel file on site including a current physical, immunizations, qualifications, training certificates. Record all training promptly in the EEC PQ registry.
- Post all required documents in the classrooms as indicated in EEC, Head Start standards and program policies
- Review parent permissions are on file for emergency release people, releasing of information, etc.
- Review all children’s files including medical information for health issues, i.e., allergies. Review and follow individual health plans and Blue cards.
- Follow the program’s child abuse and neglect policy and the behavior management plan
- Interact with children respectfully and affectionately, fostering positive self-concept and independence by promoting self-help and problem solving utilizing goals from Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) as a guide.
- Provides an environment in which children can learn and practice behaviors which are appropriate and acceptable individually and in a group by arranging furniture and equipment, and classroom materials to meet the changing needs of the children utilizing the Early Childhood and/or Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scales as a guide.
- Design and implement a developmentally appropriate, multi-cultural curriculum that maximizes each child’s opportunity for success utilizing Head Start Early Learning Frameworks, Program School Readiness Goals, Creative Curriculum Studies and Teaching Strategies Gold in planning to meet the standards.
- Give guidance and direction to assistant teachers, aides, volunteers and student teachers. Share planning, organizing and implementing the daily program with co-teachers/assistant teachers, serving as a role model and sharing observations on a daily basis.
- Use space, material and routine to establish an interesting and safe environment utilizing E.C.E.R.S. and I.T.E.R.S., that encourages exploration and learning indoors and out. Actively participate in outdoor play with children.
- Grocery shopping and food preparation in accordance with Head Start and Child Care Food Program guidelines. Assist in clean-up, including lifting and transporting food containers, coolers and dirty dish bins to designated area as needed.
- Maintain an open, friendly and informative relationship with each child’s family encouraging involvement in the program. Prepare monthly presentation for parent meetings, participate in parent meetings and activities as requested.
- Complete two home visits a year, two/three parent/teacher conferences and other parent conferences as needed in the child’s home, taking appropriate measures to ensure a smooth transition from one classroom or program to another utilizing the programs transition forms.
- Initiates bi-weekly staff meeting with classroom team and other support staff to share and discuss relevant information about children, families and classroom operations.
- Check and respond to Agency email on a regular basis
- Work cooperatively and maintain professional relationships with co-workers, supervisors and other Head Start staff to promote achievement of goals and objectives.
- Complete daily health and safety checklists and report any safety concerns promptly. Compete and record monthly fire drills/building evacuation.
- Ensure that all children are safe and accounted for. All children are in the direct supervision of a qualified staff member
- Assumes responsibility to work independently and meets program time lines to ensure a well-run classroom. Establishing clear objectives for all lessons and communicating those objectives to children and families.
- Complies with the Head Start Abuse and Neglect policy.
- Review and evaluate one’s own teaching and learning strategies, methodologies to align with state standards, Head Start performance standards, five year program goals, Head Start and Early Head Start.
- Participate in at least 20 hours of training per year to comply with EEC, QRIS and Head Start standards. Enter all training/course work into Professional Qualification (P.Q.) registry. Renew P.Q. registry annually.
- Follows all Health and Safety requirements and regulations during diapering and toileting.
- Performs other tasks as assigned within scope.
We offer fantastic benefits sure to enhance your work-life balance and overall satisfaction!
For most positions, these benefits will include:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company Paid Life Insurance and Long Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Account
- 15 Paid Vacation Days
- 12 Paid Sick Days
- 13 Paid Holidays
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
- Student Loan Forgiveness Assistance
- Tuition Remission
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Discounts
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Immediate 403b Employer Contribution, 100% Vesting on Day One!
Other Perks and Benefits: We are partnered with ZayZoon, an employee benefit that gives you instant access to your wages ahead of payday.
- Get paid whenever you need with wages on-demand via ZayZoon. No need to wait until payday!
The MOC child care and Head Start programs provide a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for infant, toddler, preschool and school-age children. We strive to support children’s school readiness and desire to be life-long learners, with a focus around providing a stimulating early education and care experience that promotes each child’s social/emotional, physical and cognitive development.
Our child care and Head Start programs include center-based part-day & full-day options; family child care; before and after school care for school-age children; and services for pregnant women.
If you are looking for a rewarding career with kids, then this could be the place for you!! Making Opportunity Count is seeking Childcare professionals to join our talented, fun, and compassionate childcare program in multiple locations! We are looking for fun loving, energetic teachers and teacher assistants to join our wonderful team! The kids can’t wait to meet you!
Pay commensurate with education & experience, additional incentives may apply!
At Making Opportunity Count, we deeply value our culture and are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. This is evident through:
- Our non-profit Environment: Our values driven work atmosphere focuses on making a meaningful impact in our community. Our shared commitment to service develops a uniquely supportive culture.
- Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We actively promote and celebrate diversity in all forms by embracing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences while ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees to thrive.
- Career Advancement: Our employees’ growth is paramount. We offer comprehensive training programs, mentorship, and advancement opportunities to assist employees in the pursuit of their career goals.
We believe in the potential of people and the power of diversity to drive innovation and success. We encourage all applicants to apply, even if you do not meet every listed requirement. Your unique experiences and perspectives are what help us shape the future of Making Opportunity Count.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. People of color, members of Tribal Nations and Native communities, LGBTQ-identified people, gender-nonconforming people, people with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English are strongly encouraged to apply.
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