SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Director, Child Development Center, and in collaboration with the Center Director, teachers, parents, and child development faculty, perform a variety of duties involved in providing a safe and stimulating environment to support the optimal growth and development of each child; assume responsibility for parent participation, communication, and education; and supervise and train assigned staff and student workers.

DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is distinguished by the requirement for advanced knowledge and leadership in early childhood education. In addition to the skills required to develop and mentor preschool-aged children, the Head Teacher is responsible for planning, coordinating, and evaluating classroom activities and educational programs. This classification requires the ability to supervise and mentor teaching staff, model best practices in child development, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards. The role demands strong organizational and communication skills, a high degree of professional judgment, and the ability to create a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A bachelor’s degree in child development or related field which includes twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California AND two (2) years’ experience in an Early Childhood Education setting.
OR
A California Child Development Master Teacher permit which includes twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California.

One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.
If specifically referenced (i.e. degree 'or equivalent'), related experience that is above the minimum requirement may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
Applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A copy of the evaluation must be submitted with online application.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of Pediatric CPR and First Aid certificates, or the ability to obtain certificates within one (1) month of hire.

Must satisfactorily pass a pre-employment physical examination if selected for position.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
Three (3) semester unit in Development of Infant Toddler.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Preschool curriculum. Theories and principles of early childhood development, including the fundamental principles of the Reggio Emilia approach.
Basic art methods.
Methods used to document children's work, including computer skills, photography, and use of various media/languages (clay, paint, wire, music, dance, and movement).
Age-appropriate behaviors and expectations.
Applicable laws, codes, state regulations and accreditation, policies, and procedures.
Oral and written communication skills.
Principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Ability to:

Perform classroom duties of Head Teacher during assigned hours.
Collaborate with the Center Director, teachers, parents, and child development faculty. Communicate with and resolve issues from staff, parents, students, and others.
Support the documentation of children's work using various methods, including computers, photography, and various media/languages (clay, paint, wire, music, dance, and movement).
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff. Implement program policies and curriculum activities.
Interpret, apply, and explain policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Plan and organize work.
Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and community college students’ cultural populations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Learn and adapt to changing technology and equipment used in the performance of assigned duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Function as a leader to provide creative and technical support in the planning the Child Development Program’s and implementation at the Southwestern College Child Development Center; collaborate with the Center Director, teachers, parents, and child development faculty to promote and support enriching experiences for children’s families, and the community.
Provide care and education for classrooms of children and interact with the children in a developmentally appropriate and professional manner.
Develop, plan, and implement appropriate daily experiences for students; provide opportunities for the development of fine and gross motor skills, language and expression, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills, and social and emotional skills; support the creative efforts emerging from the interests of the children; collaborate with staff in expanding the children's construction of knowledge.
Function as a leader and assist in planning and implementing an age-appropriate curriculum for children in indoor and outdoor environments. Establish long-term curriculum goals that reflect the philosophy of the Child Development Center.
Display sensitivity to the different ethnic, cultural, educational, and socio-economic populations represented at the Center.
Provide guidance to Teachers, Teacher Assistance, student teachers, student workers, and others, in planning and implementing curriculum for all children in a developmentally appropriate, inclusive environment.
Participate in the coordination, and evaluation of student teachers and student workers; instruct staff and students in the use of various media used for documentation of children's work.
Coordinate parent participation and training; provide parents with educational information and communication.
Assess the development of students; provide Parent-Teacher conferences each semester or as needed.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

This is a non-telecommuting position.

Must satisfactorily pass a pre-employment physical examination if selected for position.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a Children’s Center and outdoor environment with frequent interruptions and distractions; contact with children and parents; contact with blood and other body fluids.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a Children’s Center; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight and to lift moderately heavy children; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard, and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Job Details

Head Teacher, Child Development Center/Lab School

About the Role: