Summary

This position is the lead in a classroom of Head Start children and facilitates team planning, implementation, and supervision of classroom activities. Will work with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Serves as the liaison between the classroom team and case management team. Shares the responsibility for parent education and supporting parent involvement in the program. Provides supervision to Assistant Teachers, Program Aides and volunteers working in the classroom.

Duties

• Work with classroom staff and parents to implement curriculum that is meaningful and meets the individual and program needs.
• Responsible for the weekly preparation of daily lesson plans, including objectives to be posted for parents, volunteers and visitors in the classroom.
• Develop an individual plan for each child to include goal setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established school readiness goals and outcome goals.
• Directly supervises all classrooms staff and conducts on going supervision with classroom staff. Direct and counsel when needed.
• Complete mandated 45 day requirements and ongoing assessments, submit required paperwork.
• Schedule and arrange meetings and documents parent-teacher conferences and home visits as required. Attend CPSE meetings when scheduled.
• Complete a minimum of two home visits per year and as needed.
• May be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and an understanding /willingness to learn about systemic barriers to economic mobility.

Requirements

Candidates must send letter of interest along with a resume reflecting NYS Teaching Certification in a preschool category.
Position starts at $21.00 if candidate has a Bachelor's Degree and holds the required teaching certification. A rate of $23.00 is offered if candidate has a Master's Degree and holds the required teaching certification. A higher rate of pay may also be considered based on previous relevant teaching experience and certification.

• Bachelors or Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Valid New York State Teaching Certification in a preschool category.
• 1 year of staff supervision experience along with successful and proven techniques for management of staff.

1 full year teaching in an early childhood program/daycare/classroom.
Must be willing to obtain and maintain Basic First Aid, CPR certification and MAT (Medication Administration Training) within the initial probationary period and maintain certification. Required to be MAT trained and certified to administer medications as needed.
Provide customer service that is responsive to the unique needs and culture of families, such as single parents, grandparents as caregivers, co-parenting relationships, LGTBQ families, non-English speaking, teen parents, domestic violence situations and more.
Above average organizational and communication skills, ability to work as a member of a team, good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain professionalism with staff and clientele.

• Ability to work under pressure and exercise good judgment. Ability to communicate effectively with people of diverse social and economic backgrounds.
• Some evening work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits and Parent Committee Meetings.

Computer skills and knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, Google Docs, Zoom or other online meeting platforms. Familiarity with mobile devices, online training platforms and software applications helpful.

• Acceptable tuberculosis screening results and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment.

Must have a clean driver's license and be insurable to operate agency vehicles.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance and 401(k) Retirement
• Paid Vacation, Personal and Sick Time
• Paid School Breaks
• Employee Assistance Plan

About Us

LifeWorks Community Action, formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, is a nonprofit that helps thousands of neighbors each year overcome the challenges of poverty by providing food, early childhood education, energy services, health and wellness, and immigrant services. Popular programs include The Pantry in Ballston Spa and The Kitchen in Saratoga Springs, as well as Head Start, WIC and Weatherization. Help Starts Here.

LifeWorks Community Action promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in all agency programs and services. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who embrace and support an inclusive and equitable work environment.