The Lead Teacher is responsible for the total classroom operation, ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and NAEYC accreditation. They oversee daily activities, manage teaching staff, and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans to support child school readiness.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold at least an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with specific experience requirements for Lead Teacher roles. A Bachelor's degree is preferred, and the role requires the physical ability to perform classroom tasks and maintain a safe, nurturing environment.
Category: EducationThe Lead Teacher at Tulsa Educare is responsible for the total classroom operation per Federal Head Start Performance Standards (HSPS) 1302 and any additional standard referring to classroom activity. The Lead Teacher oversees the day-to-day operation of assigned Teacher Assistant and/or Associate Teacher and is responsible for involving them in the planning and execution of daily classroom activities. Tulsa Educare is seeking a Lead Teacher who will make the commitment to perform with integrity and model these essential qualities: Self-motivated, dependable and physically able to perform tasks in various environments Independent and creative thinker Ability to quickly adapt to changes, demands and initiatives Commitment to providing outstanding customer service Strong oral and written communications skills Practice effective team behavior and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills with a diverse audience Qualified (and not prohibited) to work around children Legally authorized to work in the United States Essential Functions The functions outlined in this job description are examples of the general nature of those performed by employees in this position. Any combination of these functions and responsibilities may be performed. The list is descriptive only and should be used for no other purpose. Management retains the right to revise job functions at any time. These functions are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. High Quality Teaching Practices Utilize assessment system to track each child’s ongoing developmental skill level in learning domains as required by the Head Start Performance Standards Utilize positive guidance theory and application to promote child social emotional development and well-being as well as classroom management Utilize data provided by our Local Evaluation Partners (LEP) to build on and improve classroom practice Co-construct weekly lesson plans utilizing information from curriculum, observations, parental input, and developmentally appropriate practice which include goals to support individualized plans to support each child’s developmental needs Provide content-rich environment with an enhanced focus on language, emergent literacy, problem-solving, numeracy, social-emotional, science and creative expression to promote school readiness for children and families Establish a daily schedule with routines and rituals to promote a safe and stable environment for children Ensure early intervention services are reported/obtained for children with concerns around developmental delays through the referral system Ensure the daily operations of the classroom is safe, stimulating and nurturing for children and adults Compliance (EDUCARE LEARNING NETWORK, DHS, OHS, NAEYC) Ensure compliance with the educational content mandates of the Head Start Performance Standards, program assessment, NAEYC accreditation standards and DHS licensing requirements Understand and support core features of Educare Learning Network (ELN) Ensure completion of required documentation including, but not limited to: Attendance, Meal Count, Family Contacts, Accidental Injury Reports, Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Internal referrals, emergency contacts, infant/toddler daily sheets, file sign in/out sheets, Child Plus data entry, home visits and parent conferences Teamwork and Communication Build and maintain good relationships to encourage collaboration, reflection, family engagement, high quality teaching practices and community relations with peers, families, volunteers and community partners Attend meetings/workshops that may include overnight and out-of-area travel as required Implement an interdisciplinary approach and reflection to build effective teams Create a system to ensure completion of classroom responsibilities, data entry and compliance requirements even when absences occur Perform other duties as assigned or required Knowledge and
Benefits
Sign-on incentive
Qualifications
Knowledge and
Skills
Broad knowledge and experience in: Successful interpersonal relationship skills to maintain effective and satisfactory working relationships with interdepartmental and inter-department staff, vendors, clients, visitors, and contractors. Following oral and written instructions with ability to read, interpret, and present information efficiently and effectively. Accurately audit records and ensure compliance with written or oral guidelines. Taking initiative, multitasking and working well under pressure Maintaining strict confidentiality of extremely sensitive data, records, files, conversations, etc Solid computer skills, including MS Office Balancing and prioritizing multiple projects and priorities and following through to completion
Must be driven to follow
Tulsa
Educare’s
Shared
Values: Kindness, Reciprocity, Positive Problem Solving, Inclusiveness, Data-driven Decision Making, and Courage.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualified candidates must meet at least one of the following requirements: Preferred Degree Requirements for Lead Teacher III Master or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Early Childhood Special Education, or Bachelor degree or higher in any discipline with at least 36 college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development, or Early Childhood Special Education, or Bachelor degree in Social Work, Nursing, Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies with at least one year of experience teaching children, and 12 college hours of Early Childhood, Child Development or Early Childhood Special Education, or a Child Development Associate (CDA) Required Degree Requirements for Lead Teacher III Associate degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or Early Childhood Special Education and 18 months experience as an Associate Teacher at Tulsa Educare, or Associate degree in any discipline with at least 30 college credit hours in Early Childhood, Child Development, or Early Childhood Special Education and 18 months experience as an Associate Teacher at Tulsa Educare Lead Teacher IV (State Certified) Must meet one of the preferred degree requirements above and hold a valid Oklahoma State Teaching Certification for children birth to eight. Other Classroom position with some local travel (exposure to normal traffic hazards). Work requires bending, stooping, lifting, squatting, kneeling, crawling, stretching, pushing and pulling throughout the day. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Regular and reliable attendance required.
