Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Lead Teacher

INFORMATION

Job Class: Lead Teacher

Department: Head Start

Type of Position: Non-Exempt

Location of Work: Varies

Covered Position: Yes

Salary Grade(s): 8/9

Hours of Work: 37.5 hrs/wk, 36-42 wks/yr

Employment Category: Regular, Full-Time

PURPOSE

The incumbent is the primary teaching team member in the classroom, and oversees, delegates, and monitors classroom operations and family/community outreach on a day-to-day basis in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Lead Teacher works with the support of and in collaboration with the Head Start management team.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: Site Supervisor

Supervises: Two – four staff, volunteers, and parents in classroom

Liaison To: Head Start Management Team and parents

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for maintaining working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and applicable State of Alaska regulations specific to early childhood programming
• Supervise and monitor children; respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur
• Develop and maintain positive classroom environment for children, families, and staff
• With Child Development Coordinator guidance, ensure the following are developed and implemented: on-going child assessments, individualized learning plans, and, if needed, positive behavior plans
• Work with school district, public health, and/or community service agencies to ensure child services meet HSPPS compliance
• Develop, submit, and lead weekly lesson plans that incorporate the Early Learning Outcomes Framework and designated curriculum
• Maintain confidentiality of families and program
• Utilize Child Plus and Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) to ensure all required assessments and documentation are accurate, complete, and routinely updated
• Delegate the recruitment of parent committee members, policy council members, and substitutes to teaching team member
• Monitor and report child abuse concerns to appropriate authority
• Work with Mentor Coach throughout school year
• Document all family contacts, family visits, and parent/teacher conferences
• Provide an environment that promotes and reinforces family/community engagement
• Support the families’ goals toward health, safety, financial stability and aspirations
• Work with Food Service Coordinator to ensure sanitary food preparation, food storage, and clean-up in accordance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines
• Provide family style meals and snacks (as appropriate)
• Conduct CACFP monitoring in collaboration with Food Service Coordinator
• Attend and participate in annual trainings
• Complete 15-hours of ECE professional development per school year
• Encourage and co-create a positive work environment
• Work with team to ensure general maintenance and janitorial duties are shared and complete
• Purchase supplies as needed and ensure accurate inventory of equipment and supplies
• Other duties as required

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY

Spending Authority: As assigned by Site Supervisor

Other Authority: N/A

  

NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Ability to delegate tasks and monitor assignments
• Ability to collaborate with fellow teachers, management team, and community agencies/organizations
• Willingness to learn and implement early childhood best practices into daily activities
• Ability to problem-solve and make timely decisions
• Ability to maintain accurate, complete and confidential records
• Effective communication skills, verbal and written
• Proficient Computer skills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)

• AA in Early Childhood Education
• Child Development Credential (CDA)
• 2 years’ experience working directly with young children in a classroom setting
• Willing to earn Pediatric CPR & First Aide certified and gain food handlers’ card within 30 days of hire
• Valid Alaska Driver’s License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

UNUSUAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTIONS

• Ability to interact with children at their eye level, by kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting
• Ability to walk, run, climb stairs, and stand occasional for extended periods of time
• Able to lift 50 lbs
• Other: Travel on small aircraft or ferry to attend training or support other classes

UNUSUAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTIONS

The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs.  Travel on small aircraft or ferry may be required.

 

CONDITIONS OF HIRE:

• All employment at Tlingit & Haida is “at will”. This means that the employee or Tlingit & Haida may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no term of employment is expressed or implied for this position.
• Tlingit & Haida is a no tolerance workplace. All regular employees may be required to pass a pre-employment and subsequent random drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• Tlingit & Haida requires a criminal background check be conducted on all employees. All employment offers are conditional until federal criminal background check results verify your eligibility to work for Tlingit & Haida.