Lead Teacher at Mid Michigan Community Action Agency in Harrison, MI

General Responsibilities:

• Implement a developmentally appropriate program for eligible children following the curriculum and funding source guidelines in coordination with management staff.
• Ensure quality program service delivery.
• Protect the privacy of customers/families and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of service.

Specific Duties:

• Execute a developmentally appropriate curriculum, providing activities to meet required components of the Service Delivery Plan, enhancing the physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth of young children.
• Must be able to actively engage young children in intentional learning.
• Responsible to assure the safety and well-being of every child in care.
• Promote a team approach in program coordination with site staff, management staff, Policy Council and area school personnel.
• Must actively engage family involvement in the program, including child and family goal setting.
• Must observe and assess children’s learning and enter necessary data into applicable databases.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining a developmentally appropriate and safe classroom environment.
• Responsible for maintaining classroom staffing ratios at all times.
• Be able to perform as an effective team member and promote positive concepts in the classroom.
• Responsible for conducting two home visits and two parent teacher conferences annually.
• Must effectively supervise classroom staff, as well as volunteers/subs.
• Responsible for the distribution and collection of in-kind.
• Analyze child outcome data for use in daily planning and individualization.
• Accurately enter necessary data into Child Plus as required.
• Accurately complete required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner.
• Responsible for training and ongoing support of designated staff.
• Work effectively with Regional Coordinator and Component Coordinators in meeting program and overall departmental monthly, quarterly and annual goals and objectives.
• Accurately complete required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner.
• Recruit families and promote agency programs within the community.
• Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, training opportunities, as identified and approved by supervisors.
• Attend community events and meetings to support the agency programs; including evening and weekend events/meetings.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education or a teaching degree with a ZS or ZA endorsement.
• Family Service Credential within 18 months of hire or the first session offered thereafter.
• Must complete 16 hours of annual training in addition to CPR, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogen training.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability as a strength based leader.
• Demonstrated ability to present information to community groups.
• Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Great Start Readiness Program Implementation Manual, and State Licensing Regulations.
• Teaching Strategies Gold, Creative Curriculum, and Child Plus preferred.
• Head Start/GSRP experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies Gold/Child Plus preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Possess a solid knowledge base with respect to child development and family services and seek to expand knowledge at every opportunity.
• Complete additional certifications as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and code of ethics at all times.
• Must have Proficient Computer Skills. (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and MMCAA’s “Insurance Carriers” driving record review.
• Successfully complete required background checks at time of hire and when requested.
• Shall provide written report by a physician stating their physical capability and freedom from communicable tuberculosis.
• Must have good communication and organizational skills, and be able to work effectively with people.
• Must be self-directed and able to multi-task in a fast paced environment.
• Must possess the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allocated time frames.
• Must be willing to accept new challenges.
• The ability to navigate and effectively resolve conflict.
• Must comply with Agency tobacco free and drug free policies.
• Understand the importance of daily work attendance, and its impact on coworkers, clients, and the agency.
• Must be able to lift and carry a child weighing 45 pounds in an emergency situation.
• Must be able to bend, squat, and sit on the floor.
• Must be physically capable of performing CPR (with appropriate training).
• Must be able to work at the same level as a preschool child –bend, sit on floor or child’s chair, squat.