Head Start Lead Teacher - 26/27 SY

Description JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through our Head Start program, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Georgia to promote children’s well-being. This enables us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout the Savannah River Region. ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes: Medical, dental and vision insurance 403(b) plan with 5% employer match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Long-term & short-term disability insurance Employer-paid life insurance Paid holidays Generous paid time off Career development Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of the Center Manager, the Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities according to the requirements of the Head Start Performance Standards, Georgia Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) Rules and Regulations and ECS4Kids Policies & Procedures. The Lead Teacher will also collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to foster a team-based approach to classroom instruction.

Key Responsibilities

Education & Curriculum Develop and implement weekly lesson plans using Smart Teach. Follow approved curricula and daily schedules with fidelity. Use CLASS-aligned strategies to support emotional, organizational, and instructional quality. Conduct daily observations and input data into Gold. Individualize instruction based on child needs and data. Maintain a balanced routine with both teacher- and child-directed activities. Health & Safety Conduct daily health checks and promote healthy habits. Follow all safety, hygiene, and emergency procedures. Participate in case management for children’s health and development. Family Engagement Build strong, communicative relationships with families. Encourage parent involvement and provide regular updates on child progress. Support transitions between classrooms or programs. Prepare for and conduct Home Visits and Parent Conferences that encourage families to partner with teaching staff in children’s learning and development. Nutrition Model and encourage healthy eating habits. Serve meals in a social, developmentally appropriate manner. Support kitchen duties and nutritional education as needed. Professionalism & Collaboration Mentor Teacher Assistants and collaborate with in-class coaches. Participate in CLASS evaluations, staff meetings, and training. Maintain accurate records and uphold confidentiality. (These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.)

Requirements

Qualifications

Lead Teacher II: Associate’s degree in child development or early childhood education; or an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education with 30 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children Lead Teacher III: Bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education; or a baccalaureate degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children; or a baccalaureate degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children Lead Teacher IV: Master’s degree in in child development or early childhood education; or an advanced degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children; or an advanced degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: Demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate. Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures Ability to maintain confidential information Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records A willingness to learn and continue personal education CERTIFICATIONS: Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years. Current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. At least 10 hours of state-approved training completed within the first 90 days of employment. 25 hours of annual training (January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program operations. Training must be Georgia state-approved and documented in the staff member’s personnel file. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Indoor classroom and outdoor playground settings Tolerance for noise and high activity levels ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to?50 pounds as needed to assist children or move classroom materials. Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors. Capacity to respond quickly and physically in emergency situations. Regular visual and auditory monitoring of children to ensure safety and engagement. Tolerance for high noise levels and a fast-paced, physically active environment.