Child Care Program Name
Newton Head Start (I-CARE, INC)
Contact Person
Ebony Lash
Phone Number
704-872-8141
Your Email
Position Available
Lead Teacher
Hours/Shift
Monday- Friday 7:00 am -3:00pm
Requirements/Duties
The Head Start Lead Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality early childhood education for children ages 3-5, ensuring compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (NCDCDEE), and I-CARE, Inc agency policies. The Lead Teacher will plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum, create a safe and nurturing learning environment, and foster strong relationships with children and families. This role involves mentoring and supervising assistant teachers and collaborating with staff and community partners to provide comprehensive services for children and families.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Curriculum Planning and Implementation:
* Implement Curriculum: Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on children’s cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development.
* Create Learning Opportunities: Provide a variety of educational experiences (e.g., circle time, group play, creative arts) to enhance learning and stimulate curiosity, while accommodating individual learning needs.
* Foster School Readiness: Use teaching strategies that support school readiness, including early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills.
2. Child Assessment and Developmental Monitoring:
* Ongoing Observations and Documentation: Conduct regular assessments to monitor children’s progress, developmental milestones, and individual needs
* Track Developmental Progress: Use formal and informal observations to assess children’s growth in cognitive, social-emotional, language, and motor skills.
* Create Individualized Learning goals: Develop individualized learning goals for each child, collaborate with parents, and ensure children with disabilities receive appropriate services established by the local education agency
* Collaborate with Support Staff: Work with local education agency, speech therapists, and other specialists to support children with special needs.
3. Classroom Management and Environment:
* Maintain a safe, respectful, and nurturing classroom environment that promotes positive social-emotional development and ensures children feel supported and valued
* Implement positive behavior strategies and teach conflict resolution skills
* Manage classroom behavior through positive reinforcement and redirect children as needed, creating a harmonious and productive learning environment.
* Use positive guidance techniques and strategies to manage classroom behavior, encourage positive social interactions, and support the development of emotional regulation
4. Family Engagement and Communication:
* Establish and maintain open communication with families, creating a collaborative partnership to support the child’s growth and development
* Provide regular updates to families regarding children’s progress, conduct parent-teacher conferences, home visits and discuss strategies for supporting learning at home.
5. Supervision and Mentoring of Assistant Teachers:
* Lead and mentor assistant teachers and substitutes in the classroom, providing guidance, support, and professional development.
* Promote teamwork and effective collaboration among all staff members to create an efficient and supportive learning environment.
* Assign appropriate responsibilities to assistant teachers, ensuring a smooth classroom operation and effective teaching.
6. Health, Safety, and Nutrition:
* Follow health, safety, and nutrition policies, ensuring children are safe and their health needs are addressed.
* Administer medications and provide first aid as necessary, adhering to health and allergy action plans
* Promote healthy eating habits and personal hygiene practices through modeling and classroom activities such as toothbrushing, family style meals .
* Always maintain active supervision within the learning environment
* Maintain the required staff-to-child ratio in the classroom at all times to comply with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and state regulations
7. Professional Development:
* Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and stay updated on best practices in early childhood education
* Engage in reflective practices, performance evaluations, professional development plans, and incorporate feedback to improve teaching and classroom management.
8. Record Keeping and Reporting:
* Maintain accurate and confidential records of each child’s developmental progress, assessments, and communication with families in database system
* Complete all required documentation and reports in a timely manner , ensuring compliance with federal, state, and program regulations.
* Report any incidents, health concerns, or developmental delays in a timely manner to appropriate supervisor
Minimum Qualifications
2- year associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, North Carolina Early Childhood Credential or the ability to enroll within 6 months of employment, able to complete North Carolina Health and Safety Training requirements, computer literate, 2 years’ experience working with preschool children, good oral, written and organization skills, reliable transportation.
Preferred: 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; 3 years’ experience working with preschool children, valid NC driver’s license, and Pediatric CPR & First Aid certifications. Note: The preferred qualifications include the minimum qualifications listed above except for the educational requirement.
Pay/Hourly Wage
$17.99
How to Apply
How to Apply: You submit application online at www.icare-inc.org
or submit resume : ebony.lash@icare-inc.org
Open Date
May 5, 2025