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Sunbeam Family Services

Lead Teacher Early Head Start (0-3 year-olds)-Bachelors Required 22.50+/hr

Sunbeam Family Services, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States, 73116

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Lead Teacher Early Head Start (0-3 year-olds) Salary: $22.50+ per hour (Bachelors required)

Position Overview The Lead Teacher provides daily care to children in an Early Head Start classroom using child‑guidance techniques and responsive relationships with teachers, staff, children and families. The Lead Teacher ensures compliance with federal, state and local licensing mandates and works with a team of classroom teachers and family members to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Essential Functions

Promote, encourage and display examples of leadership for the agency in accordance with the agency mission.

Support and individualize the physical, social‑emotional, and cognitive development of each child in the classroom.

Demonstrate capacity for providing developmentally sensitive, evidence‑based, hope‑centered and trauma‑informed services and leadership.

Serve as a leader of the Early Childhood Services (ECS) program and an effective role model for developmentally‑appropriate practice.

Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards.

Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal and state regulation, and DHS Child Care Licensing requirements.

Plan and provide a comprehensive program, including implementation of EHS/HS curriculum and Head Start /Early Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Maintain record‑keeping and reporting systems to ensure accurate information with timely completion and follow‑up.

Plan and implement ECS developmentally‑appropriate curriculum and assessment for the classroom. Order supplies and materials as needed for effective service delivery.

Oversee supervision and management of children in the classroom to ensure a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment.

Conduct home visits and parent‑teacher conferences in accordance with Head Start Program Performance standards to share each child’s progress with parents.

Work cooperatively with other staff assigned to classroom as a team to involve all parents with the children and to encourage the active participation of all parents in the program.

Observe children to detect signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbances, learning disorders, speech problems, or other special needs and report those signs immediately to supervisor for required or necessary follow‑up.

Work with supervisor to ensure child‑staff ratio is maintained at all times.

Encourage and model language expansion, extended learning, and problem‑solving strategies throughout the day.

Regular, reliable attendance is required.

Participate in and attend all staff meetings, trainings, and certification courses as required.

Travel locally as required in the performance of responsibilities.

Perform other appropriate and related responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or member of Executive Team.

Requirements Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development (CD), or Early Childhood Special Education (EC SE) (transcripts required).

OR - Bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline with at least 36 college credit hours in ECE, CD, or EC SE (transcripts required).

OR - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in elementary education, family studies, human development, nursing, psychology, social work, or a related discipline AND at least 12 college credit hours in ECE, CD, EC SE or current certification as CDA® (Infant/Toddler) AND one (1) year experience teaching children. Master’s degree in ECE or a related discipline and certification CPR/First Aid Certification (or within 30 days of hire), maintained throughout employment.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in Early Childhood Education or Head Start/Early Head Start with effective experience in childcare as well as training and supervising teacher assistants.

Abilities

Caring and compassionate attitude when interacting with and caring for children and families.

Knowledge and understanding of state and local childcare licensing requirements.

Excellent command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written.

Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft applications and the ability to master other software as needed.

Good organizational and time‑management skills.

Must work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Exercise independent judgment.

Communicate in a professional manner, demonstrating dignity, respect for our internal, external, and community members.

Process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.

Sustained concentration to detail and accuracy, along with the ability to prioritize workload.

Willingness to work with high‑risk, low‑income communities.

Must be able to travel and work some evenings and weekends as required by the job.

Local travel required and must have valid Oklahoma driver’s license and insurance as required by the position.

Knowledge and understanding of Head Start/Early Head Start, Child Plus, and NAEYC.

Advanced computer database and Microsoft Office software skills.

Bilingual Spanish/English speaking – ability to interact with children and families from multilingual homes.

Benefits

A low student‑to‑teacher ratio of 2:8.

No out‑of‑pocket cost for school supplies.

Classroom planning and prep included in your schedule.

Calm, inviting, and fun environment.

Training and educational best practices.

Team of experts partners with you to support children's families (e.g., Family Partner, Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health, Inclusion Specialist, and more).

21 agency closure holidays.

Paid vacation time.

Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; Employee Assistance Program; 403(b) retirement savings plan; paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid time off; flexible spending account; education reimbursement.

Childcare available for children up to age three.

COVID vaccination or approved exemption based upon medical or religious reasons prior to starting employment.

Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type Full‑time

Job Function Education and Training; Industry: Individual and Family Services

About Sunbeam Family Services Sunbeam’s Mission: Building brighter futures with all children and families. When all families can build a strong foundation for their children, we all have a brighter, healthier life. We aspire to be a recognized leader in early childcare and education, with specialized support for entire family systems, strengthening the social service ecosystem in our communities.

“Hope is the belief that tomorrow will be better than today, and that you have the power to make it so.” – Chan Hellman, Ph.D.

Sunbeam is an equal‑opportunity employer and a Family Positive Workplace, recognized by the Potts Family Foundation and the OK25by25 Coalition. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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