Certified Lead Teacher (Head Start/Early Head Start)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Educare of Omaha, Inc. is a collaborative partnership between the Early Head Start/Head Start, Omaha Public Schools and the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. Comprised of the two Educare Omaha Schools (Kellom and Indian Hill) and the three Early Learning Centers (Skinner, Gateway and Kennedy), the mission of Educare of Omaha, Inc. is to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children ages 0 to 5 years through the provision of evidence-based education, health, nutritional, social, family engagement and other services to enrolled children and their families.     

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, implementation and coordination of a comprehensive education program. The Lead Teacher ensures the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets children’s individual needs as well as program standards of Educare of Omaha Inc., Head Start/Early Head Start, Sixpence, and the Nebraska state licensing guidelines.

Schedule: This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. There is a variation of schedules available with the hours falling between 7:00am-5:30pm.

Classification: Exempt/Non-Exempt

Reports to: School Director 

Supervises: Associate Teacher, Teacher Aide

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Child Development 

• Observe, assess and document each child’s skills, behavior, growth and development.
• Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• Develop an individualized lesson plan for each child.
• Bring to your attention those children with special needs. Coordinate referrals for children with special needs or mental health needs with the School Director/Mentor Teacher Supervisor.
• Contribute to and participate in child and family reviews, Mental Health staffing, and/or Individualized Education Plans/Individualized Family Service Plans.
• Assist the child and family as child transitions from the infant and toddler program to the preschool program and from the preschool program to kindergarten.
• Foster positive relationships with all children in the classroom.

Classroom Management  

• Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.
• Maintain a clean, safe and healthy classroom environment.
• Utilize Positive Behavior Supports and Touchpoints strategies.
• Participate in reflective supervision

Curriculum  

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will enhance (1) language and literacy development, (2) cognition and general knowledge, (3) approaches toward learning, (4) physical well-being and motor development, and (5) social and emotional development of each child.
• Participate in interpreting and analyzing assessment results and utilize data to plan individual and classroom experiences as well as intentionally share information with families.
• Develop and submit timely lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children and implement them intentionally supported by an attractive and stimulating learning environment which encourages child’s independence and self-selection of activities.
• Intentionally integrate other areas, i.e., health/physical activity, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, transition, safety and parent involvement, into the education plan.
• Create documentation panels on a regular basis to make the learning that the children are experiencing visible to parents and visitors.

Parent Involvement  

• Schedule and meet with parents regularly about their child’s progress, including at least two Parent/Staff Conferences per year.
• Schedule a minimum of two home visits per year with each child’s family to clarify child and family needs.
• Collaboratively plan with Family Engagement staff and facilitate monthly informational/activity meetings for parents for the purpose of sharing data with families and responding to their identified interests and/or needs.
• Encourage parent participation in program activities and in implementing education activities for their children at home and in the community.
• Communicate with parents (informal conversations, newsletters, personal notes) regarding his/her child’s involvement in classroom activities and progress towards learning goals.

Supervision / Administration  

• Participate in ongoing professional development (including peer learning activities).
• Collaboratively implement and participate in a coaching process with the identified coach to promote high quality instruction.
• Support the implementation of new strategies gained through training.
• Provide leadership for the classroom team (e.g., plan for and lead team planning sessions, monitor teammates’ observation notes and appropriate goal identification, advocate for and support Best Practices in the classroom).
• Supervise student teachers, practicum students, and volunteers as needed.
• Serve as a mentor/model to Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide.
• Delegate responsibilities to the Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide.
• Maintain confidentiality in regard to each child and family.
• Maintain daily attendance and USDA food counts.
• Ensure the timely completion of necessary paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, newsletters, incident reports, etc.
• Participate in the interviewing process of Associate Teachers and Teacher Aides.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Early Childhood preferred) required.
• Nebraska Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Preschool Disabilities, or Early Childhood Education Unified per NDE Rule 11 is required for a Lead Pre-K position required.
  • OR ability to attain within 18 months of hire.
  • The same credentials are required for a Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher with coursework directly related to infants and toddlers.
• Two years early childhood experience in a group setting preferred.
• Must be able to pass a background check that meets compliance standards.

Educare of Omaha recommends all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Candidates stating they are vaccinated will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. If not vaccinated, masking may be required while on the premises.

Benefits: 

Competitive Benefits Package:

• Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance: We’ve got your health and well-being covered.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your education and professional growth with our support.
• 403(b): Educare matches up to 3%. Secure your financial future with our retirement savings plan.

Work-Life Balance:

• Rolling Vacation and Sick Time Accruals: Enjoy the flexibility to take time off when you need it.
• Ten Paid Holidays: Celebrate and recharge with paid time off for important occasions.

Holiday Break Bonus:

• 2 Weeks Paid Time Off for Holiday Break: Take a well-deserved break and spend quality time with loved ones during the festive season.

Educare of Omaha, Inc. is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all hiring and employment practices.  We are committed to equal treatment for all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, disability, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. 

Equal Opportunity Employer