Department Summary:

The Mission of Head Start and Early Head Start is a noble one: “better preparing young children and their families for life experiences now and in the future.”

Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to age 5, in classroom settings, home-based programs, & childcare partner locations.

Job Summary:

Drake University Head Start offers a comprehensive early childhood program. We are seeking professional candidates to serve as Lead Teachers at Drake Head Start classrooms located at Southridge Mall. We have two openings available.

This position is responsible for leading children ages 3-5 and a teacher associate in daily classroom activities. The lead teacher is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating early childhood, developmentally appropriate curriculum and practice.  This role works with the teacher associate to develop activities for children based on their interests and individual needs. They will encourage the children to develop a positive self-concept through supportive and cheerful interaction. Teacher also lead instruction by creating lesson plans and adapting them to meet individual learning styles. Partnering with the Teacher Associate, they promote successful classroom performance for each student.

This is a 9 month, full-time, position that typically works August through May each year.

All Drake Head Start employees must assure compliance with Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, state and local regulations and rules, confidentiality of all documents maintained in the department, and promote Head Start philosophy and initiatives. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A. in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.
• One year of experience in a preschool environment.
• Ability to pass all state childcare licensing requirements.
• Ability to be insured by University's insurance carrier.

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Duties:

25%  Maintain children's files, check off forms at admission, file them and check annually for licensing. Document and monitor children's progress to evaluate appropriateness of curriculum to meet children's developmental needs.  Create and maintain accurate, confidential reports and records within applicable regulations and performance standards.

25%  Conduct instruction by following lesson plan while adapting plan to meet individual learning styles. Create a developmentally appropriate environment where children are comfortable enough to verbalize feelings, question, explore, experiment and problem solve. Support children's social-emotional development.  Promote successful classroom performance for each teaching team.

15%  Develop and maintain good communication while respecting confidentiality. Establish rapport and trust with parents, staff, volunteers, and visitors to respond to children's environmental needs. Ensure the coordination of health issues of child and family with designated nurse.

15%  Partner with staff in the development and implementation of the curriculum and maintaining a safe, orderly, and high-quality work environment. Ensure an organized, clean classroom and present interesting ideas and activities to share with children. 

10%  Partner with Teacher Associate to ensure classroom compliance with federal, state and local regulations of the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).  Participate in mealtime activities by assisting with serving food, eating with the children, and cleaning up after meals.

5%  Conduct initial and ongoing family home visits and socializations (if applicable). Travel for business purposes within service area.

5%  Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, state and local regulations, rules and requirements compliance. Maintain strict confidentiality of all records and documents. Maintain department records and reports in a secure manner.   Continue professional growth by attending classes and workshops, reading new materials, and contributing resources to the program. Represent Drake University and Drake University Head Start in a professional manner.  Treat clients, co-workers, staff, parents and community members with respect and civility, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone at all times.  React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance, and perform all other duties as assigned. Promote Head Start philosophy and initiatives.