Lead Teacher/Center Manager: Fort Scott

Classification:  Full-time                                                   Status:  Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

Supervise and coach staff to ensure that the program provides quality and developmentally appropriate services to children, develops a strong working relationship with families and staff which establish a work climate that nurtures growth, learning, and positive interaction.

Implement and maintain, through organization and supervision, and as lead teacher of one classroom, an early childhood education program that meets all Head Start Program Performance Standards and state childcare guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for daily leadership, supervision, training, and modeling of best practices for center staff and volunteers.
• Obtain and share knowledge of theories and techniques regarding Early Childhood development.
• Provide regular supervision and support of all assigned classroom staff through recognized practices such as reflective supervision, on-going training, performance appraisal systems, professional development goals and corrective action plans.
• Plan for recruitment of children with center staff to ensure funded enrolment is achieved.
• Lead center staff to recruit, train and schedule parent and community volunteers and document volunteer hours to fulfill federal match requirements.
• Responsible for ensuring completion of data entry in Agency approved Data System.
• Work in conjunction with the Head Start management team, and center team to set up a developmentally appropriate classroom based on Head Start Program Performance Standards-using the research-based curriculum selected by the agency and other supplemental curriculum. Implement PBS (Positive Behavior Support) and other strategies provided by the program.
• Be available to travel within agency area and occasional out of area trips for training/professional development.  
• Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe.
• Assist in conducting the daily health and environment checklist.
• Individualize teaching to enable children to attain school readiness and social emotional goals in partnership with families.
• Screen and observe the developmental level of each child making appropriate referrals to the local Special Education Services.
• Participate in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings for assigned children with special needs while taking the role of resource person and parent advocate.
• Assist in implementing children’s I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or I.F.S.P. (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification regarding any aspects that are not well understood.
• In conjunction with the Professional Development Coordinator ensure staff required to complete the CDA process and other educational requirement meet established expectations.
• Train and ensure staff knowledge and competency regarding Program Performance Standards, Policies and Procedures, KDHE Licensing and best practices, Personnel Manual, Positive Behavior Support (PBS), Reflective Supervision, ERSEA, Apricot, Research Based Curriculum, Supplemental Curriculum, and monthly Program Information Report (PIR), and recruitment plans to ensure compliance.
• Be responsible for working cooperatively with all the component leads of Education, Parent and Community Involvement, Data Management, ERSEA, Health, Nutrition, Curriculum, Coaching, Mental Health, and Disability services to assigned families ensuring their goals or needs are met.
• Ensure parents/primary caregivers are educated on and have access to all policies included in the Parent Handbook.
• Develop relationships with education and administrative staff at local schools to ensure smooth transitions to new educational settings for all Head Start children.
• Complete and submit required data, forms, reports, and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, time sheets, meal reports, children’s developmental check points, children’s school readiness, attendance, meal counts, etc.
• Coordinate the transition of children to kindergarten and/or childcare programs.
• Monitor quality of transportation services through periodic observation on the transportation route and review of vehicle inspection forms and all other documentation to support licensing regulations if applicable.
• Provide child progress report during parent teacher conferences, home visits and/or upon request of parent.
• Directly supervise classroom staff, custodian, and other staff which applies to center.
• In conjunction with the Nutrition Manager, co-supervise cook.
• In conjunction with the Family & Community Services Manager, co-supervise family advocate.
• Turn in monthly paperwork including petty cash & accounts payable.
• Plan and facilitate team meetings.
• Be available as first line of communication within the center for daily operation, alarm calls, and any emergency regarding the center and those who attend or work in the center.
• Cross train for all center positions.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Teacher professional development plan.
• Ability to work unconventional business hours.
• Utilize Positive Behavior Support (PBS) process and strategies to prevent and reduce challenging behavior.
• Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.
• Maintain dependable, punctual attendance, and adhere to appropriate break times.
• Attend mandatory In-Service trainings and staff meetings.
• Responsibility to report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.
• Advocate for SEK-CAP, Inc. in the community.
• Maintain and assure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP, Inc. customers.
• Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP, Inc.
• Support management decisions both in actions and words.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Basic computer skills on IBM compatible P.C. systems and software.
• Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.
• Ability to get along with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the general public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Resourceful and well organized.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
• Ability to learn and adapt.

Desired:

• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards/State Licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of area resources.
• Previous supervisory experience.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field with 15 hours in Early Childhood education.
• Obtain State Site Director Program Approval through the State of Kansas within 30 days.
• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment and every three years thereafter.
• Obtain First Aid card and CPR certification at orientation and keep current.
• Possess current, valid driver’s license and meet agency insurance underwriting guidelines.
• Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.
• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Sit or occasionally stand; walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Outside weather conditions.
• Extreme cold and extreme heat.
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Disability Insurance
• Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Training
• Referral Program
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person