Team Leader, Early Head Start

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective:

The Team Leader assists the Education Manager in implementing developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive learning environments that meet or exceed all applicable local, state, & federal standards/regulations, and that nurture children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. They are responsible for the daily operations and supervision of two or more classrooms to promote high-quality, effective practices that promote positive child and family outcomes.

Essential Functions

1. Oversee development and implementation of individualized, developmentally appropriate curriculum that is aligned with MA Early Learning Standards and the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, reflects responsiveness to individual child observations and assessments includes goals developed in partnership with families, and is inclusive of children with diverse learning needs and children who are dual/multi-language learners.
2. Lead and supervise assigned teaching team in positive interactions between colleagues; between staff & parents; and between staff & children in accordance with the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children.
3. Orient new team members to program policies & expectations in accordance with the program’s policy on Program-Specific New Hire orientation. Conduct 90 day and annual performance reviews for assigned teaching staff.
4. Assist in facilitation of regular staff meetings (minimum of 2 hours per month) in compliance with MA Department of Early Education and Care regulations to disseminate information, provide staff with an avenue to share best practices, and provide feedback.
5. Using reflective supervision practices, complete and document a minimum of bi-monthly classroom observations of assigned teaching staff and provide supportive and constructive feedback designed to promote high quality teaching and learning.
6. In partnership with Education Manager, address and document staff performance concerns in an appropriate and timely manner in collaboration with Human Resources team.
7. In partnership with Education Manager, collect and utilize data to identify overall staff training needs and assist in planning for staff training/professional development, coaching, and other job-embedded professional development opportunities aligned with program goals.
8. Support assigned teaching staff in completing accurate and timely comprehensive developmental assessments of children and communicating with families through strength-based parent-teacher conferences in accordance with the program’s established schedule of frequency.
9. Model strength-based partnerships with families including: responding to family concerns and feedback with sensitivity and respect; practicing open, regular and respectful communication with families, and encouraging families’ engagement in their child’s learning and development.
10. Support Content Area Specialists in ensuring parent engagement, leadership and governance opportunities are offered, encouraged, and documented.
11. Work collaboratively with content area specialists and community partners (eg. Early Intervention, ECMHC, Coaches) to promote coordinated, comprehensive service delivery and to coordinate healthy transitions for children and families between program options and/or public school.
12. Assist with program planning and actively participate in assigned management, classroom, and/or team meetings, training, reflective practice, and other activities to promote team building and professional development.
13. Monitor assigned classrooms regularly to ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, MA Department of Early Education and Care regulations, and all internal policies and procedures; Conduct regular monitoring of Classroom Files for completeness and accuracy.
14. Participate in staffing schedule as needed to ensure classrooms are within designated caregiver-child rat