At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a preschool classroom, creating engaging lessons and nurturing relationships with children and families.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Capital Area Community Services, dedicated to early childhood education.
- Benefits: Enjoy health insurance, paid time off, professional development, and opportunities for advancement.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere focused on continuous learning and meaningful connections.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young lives while growing your career in a fulfilling environment.
- Qualifications: Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with 18 credit hours in ECE.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a passionate, dependable, and professional Lead Teacher to join our Head Start preschool program serving children ages 3 and 4 years old. This position is part of a partnership with Capital Area Community Services (CACS) and follows all Head Start program standards, policies, and partnership expectations. The ideal candidate is nurturing, organized, team-oriented, and committed to providing high-quality early childhood education while building strong relationships with children, families, and staff.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field
- Minimum of 18 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education
- Candidates with degrees in other fields are encouraged to apply if they have completed at least 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education coursework.
Essential Responsibilities
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and classroom activities using a research-based curriculum.
- Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for preschool-aged children.
- Utilize Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) to assess and monitor children’s development through observations, anecdotal note‑taking, documentation, and data collection.
- Complete checkpoints and maintain accurate child assessment records to support developmental growth and school readiness goals.
- Use assessment data to individualize instruction and support parent-teacher conferences.
- Conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences per year in accordance with Head Start partnership requirements.
- Maintain ongoing communication with families using Procare communication software, newsletters, conferences, phone calls, and daily interactions.
- Delegate classroom responsibilities effectively and provide leadership within the classroom team.
- Maintain professionalism in all TSG documentation, family communication, and program interactions.
- Follow attendance policies, daily classroom schedules, and all program regulations and expectations.
- Attend mandatory staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Collaborate with administration, support staff, and partnership teams to ensure high-quality programming and compliance standards.
- Maintain confidentiality and positive working relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
Preferred Skills & Qualities
- Strong classroom management and organizational skills
- Professional communication and leadership abilities
- Experience with Teaching Strategies GOLD preferred
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Passion for early childhood education and family engagement
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Supportive and safety-focused team environment
- TEACH Scholarship partnership opportunities to support continued education and professional goals
Why Join Our Team?
Our program is committed to creating a supportive workplace where educators are encouraged to grow professionally, build meaningful relationships, and reach their full potential while making a lasting impact on children and families in our community.
Head Start Lead Teacher employer: Caterpillar Corner, LLC
At Capital Area Community Services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and well-being of our educators. Our Head Start Lead Teacher position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including health and dental insurance, and ample opportunities for professional development in a supportive and collaborative environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families while enjoying a workplace culture that prioritises teamwork and continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Start Lead Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local events, and connect with people in the early childhood education field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for early childhood education shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how you've made a difference in children's lives – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d handle classroom challenges or engage with parents. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications from passionate candidates like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Start Lead Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early childhood education shine through. We want to see how much you care about nurturing and educating young minds, so share your experiences and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant qualifications, like your degree in Early Childhood Education and any experience with Teaching Strategies GOLD. This helps us see why you're a perfect fit for our team!
Be Professional Yet Personal:While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality come through. Use a friendly and approachable style that reflects your ability to build strong relationships with children and families, which is key for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Corner, LLC
✨Know Your Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the research-based curriculum used in Head Start programs. Be ready to discuss how you would plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons, showcasing your understanding of early childhood education principles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Lead Teacher, effective communication with families is key. Prepare examples of how you've maintained ongoing communication in previous roles, whether through newsletters, conferences, or daily interactions. This will demonstrate your commitment to family engagement.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Collaboration is crucial in this role. Think of specific instances where you've worked effectively within a team, delegated responsibilities, or provided leadership. This will show that you're not just a great teacher but also a supportive colleague.
✨Prepare for Assessment Discussions
Be ready to talk about your experience with child assessments, particularly using Teaching Strategies GOLD. Discuss how you've used assessment data to individualise instruction and support developmental growth, as this aligns with the programme's goals.
