Head Teacher ( Pre-School)

Supervise, assign, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for the implementation and performance of early childhood development and teaching activities; develop and implement lesson plans for children; ensure work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures and perform the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for the performance of early childhood development and teaching activities.
2. Establish schedules and methods for providing child development teaching services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.
3. Participate in the development of policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
4. Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; implement approved policies and procedures.
5. Perform the more technical and complex tasks of the work unit including ensuring that the assigned center is in compliance with applicable federal and state licensing standards.
6. Maintain and update accurate and detailed records of student performance, progress, attendance, enrollment, injuries and other reports as required according to federal, state and local requirements; review applications for admission to program, maintain enrollment capacity and update waiting list.
7. Visually examine children for potential health problems, child abuse, neglect and communicable diseases; take appropriate courses of action.
8. Coordinate and schedule vision and hearing screening tests and speech therapy sessions with outside agencies; participate in food distribution activities including breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks and record meal counts.
9. Schedule and conduct parent conferences, workshops and home visits; discuss student performance and recommend a performance plan as needed.
10. Ensure the general maintenance and cleanliness of assigned child development center facilities and equipment; maintain adequate level of supplies for classroom activities.
11. Coordinate staff development activities; conduct staff meetings, provide early childhood education training, develop and monitor individual growth plans using the City of Albuquerque Performance Evaluation Guide (PEG) system.
12. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous and professional manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner in accordance with department policies.
13. Serve as liaison between assigned child development center and public schools, family advocates and other community groups.
14. Participate in the selection of child development teaching staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
15. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of child development instruction.
16. Prepare analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Participate in home visitation activities as required.
2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the following compliant degrees: early childhood education, early childhood program administration, family, infant, toddler studies, child development, early childhood special education, or early childhood multicultural education; and

Two (2) years of classroom teaching or student teaching practicum experience in an early childhood growth and development setting.

Compliant Areas or Majors are: Elementary Education or a degree in any other discipline outside of those noted above is considered related when the transcript reflects eighteen (18) passing (C or better) credit hours in (1) Early Childhood Education; (2) Early Childhood Program Administration; (3) Family, Infant Toddler Studies; (4) Child Development; (5) Early Childhood Special Education (6) Early Childhood Multicultural Education.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.

Possession of a Child Development Associate (CDA) or a New Mexico Child Development Certificate (CDC) within six (6) months from date of hire.
Possession of a valid C.P.R. certificate within six (6) months from date of hire.
Possession of a valid First Aid certificate within six (6) months from date of hire.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.Environmental:
Classroom environment; exposure to communicable diseases and noise; visit the homes of program participants.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; moderate or light lifting up to 50 (fifty) pounds.