Head Teacher

Definition and Purpose 

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director – Children’s Programs, the Head Teacher is responsible for the implementation of a quality developmentally appropriate childcare program. This includes experiences within the classroom, curriculum development and implementation, assessing children’s development, and parent communication/relationships. The Head Teacher is also responsible for supervision of the Teachers. 

Additionally, all ASI employees are responsible for upholding the core values of the organization including but not limited to exhibiting professional behavior, acting as a role model to others, displaying a positive and cooperative attitude, communicating effectively, developing expert knowledge in area of specialization, and working together as a team. 

Educational and Qualifying Experience, Skills, Licenses, Credentials 

Educational/License/Credential Requirements 

• Graduation from a four-year college or university in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field (8 years applicable experience may be substituted for educational requirement). 
• California Child Development permit obtained within first 60 days of hire (at minimum proof of application submittal must be provided within the first 60 days of hire). 
• Current American Red Cross Certification in the following: Adult and Pediatric CPR First Aid, and AED. 
• Fifteen (15) hours of Health and Safety Training. 

Experience Requirements 

• Minimum three (3) years' experience working with preschool-aged children or infants and toddlers in a classroom setting that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.  
• Must pass tuberculosis test, physical examination, and fingerprint clearance through Department of Justice. 

Physical Requirements  

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to engage in physical activities with children, including bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor. 

Knowledge/Skill Requirements 

• Working knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 
• General knowledge of office methods, equipment, procedures, and practices. 
• Knowledge of Windows-based computer systems. 
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and written. 
• Demonstrated skill in group supervision/leadership. 
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds, specific needs, or limitations. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Directly supervise Teachers, Children’s Center Student Assistants, and Psychology and Child Development Interns.  
• Facilitate meetings, conduct performance evaluations, establish goals, and monitor day-to-day operations. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Curriculum Development and Administration 

• Initiate, oversee, and guide the experiences of the daily classroom program. 
• Plan developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities for young children  
• Responsible for the safety, well-being, engagement, emotional, and physical needs of all children enrolled in the program. 
• Maintain children’s developmental assessment and portfolio files.  
• Develop and carry out program components required by the California Department of Education (CDE), the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), and Federal Food Program (CACFP). 
• Represent the ASI Children’s Center in relation to the campus and community when appropriate. 
• Oversee the daily health of each child including medication disbursement as appropriate. 
• Oversee the maintenance and cleaning in the classroom and yard areas; reporting discrepancies, safety and/or health concerns to the Director. 
• Lead planned disaster drills (earthquake or fire per quarter) per month, per classroom. 
• Assist with recommendations for parent engagement opportunities. 

Parental Communication and Relationship 

• Plan, schedule, and hold quarterly parent conferences. 
• Communicate on a daily basis with parents regarding their child and/or various classroom information. 
• Plan and facilitate quarterly parent engagement opportunities. 
• Provide an enrollment conference for each new family and maintain effective supportive relationships with families.  

Assessment 

• Develop and execute assessment of programs and/or services for areas of responsibility including but not limited to setting and implementing goals, evaluating outcomes and ongoing enhancement. 
• Participate in the overall ASI assessment planning and goal setting. 

Diversity and Inclusion 

• Recommend and support practices intended to eliminate racial, gender, or any other form of bias in processes, policies, and procedures.  
• Demonstrate awareness of one’s own biases, comfort levels, and various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  
• Demonstrate effort to understand each person’s individual and collective role in creating inclusive environments.  
• Commit to continuous learning/improvement in DEI and cultural competence.  
• Practice inclusive leadership, by valuing and involving all members of the group for their unique contributions, while identifying and addressing barriers to social justice and inclusion within their department.  

Other Duties and Responsibilities 

• Represent ASI on committees as appropriate. 
• Ensure continuous professional development. 
• Actively participate in core staff meetings; share ideas and provide feedback in group discussions. 
• In absence of Director, assume responsibility for Center operations as delegated. 
• The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in ASI policy as a condition of their employment. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Background Check 

This position is subject to a background check (including criminal records) as well as National Address Locater (Social Security Number [SSN] Trace), 7-year County Criminal Search in each county and/or state the applicant lived in based on the SSN Trace, National Criminal Database Search, Name Search, Employment Verification (All employers in past 7 years) and Education Verification (Highest Degree). Credit Reports, Motor Vehicle Record Check and Professional License Verification may also be required based upon the essential functions of the position. 

Salary Schedule 

• Hourly Starting Rate:  $26.84 per hour 
• Hourly Pay Range: $26.84 per hour - $37.58 per hour 
• Premium Overtime:  No 
• Shift Differential:  Yes 
• Non-exempt 

Benefits 

• Medical Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Life Insurance 
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) 
• Social Security (FICA) 
• Paid State Holidays 
• Vacation Time 
• Sick Leave 
• Personal Holiday 
• Birthday Holiday 
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance 
• Unemployment Insurance 

Position is Open Until Filled

Date of Last Equity Review:  01/01/2022 

Date revised: 06/2024