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Job Description
Lead Teacher - Head Start
East Providence - WillettPosted 2 days ago
Full-timeonsite
Job Description
Lead Teacher - Head Start
Department: Head Start
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: East Providence - Willett
Reporting To: Heidi Nordmann
Compensation: $24.54 - $29.54 / hour
Description
Lead the Classroom. Shape the Future.
If you are a passionate early childhood educator ready to lead, mentor, and make a lasting impact, this is your opportunity to step into a high-impact role. As a Lead Teacher in our Head Start program, you will guide classroom learning, support your teaching team, and create an environment where children and families thrive.
Job Description
The Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall management and success of the classroom, including planning curriculum, assessing child progress, and ensuring high-quality daily operations. This role uses Head Start Performance Standards, early learning frameworks, and developmentally appropriate practices to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for all children.
This position also requires flexibility to support multiple Head Start locations across the EBCAP service area as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Educational Program Implementation
- 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
Family Engagement and Support
- 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
Classroom Leadership and Management
- 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
Professional Development and Collaboration
- 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
Skills
- 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
Required
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
- Experience teaching in an early childhood education setting
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
- Experience with Creative Curriculum and assessment tools
- Familiarity with Conscious Discipline and Incredible Years approaches
Core Competencies
- 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
Physical Requirements
- 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