Job Details

SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT HEAD START
Position Title: Lead Teacher – Head Start
Department: Education
Supervisor: Head Start Education Coordinator
Employment Status: Non-Exempt, Non-Management

A. General Summary

This position serves as the Lead of a teaching team in a classroom of preschool children. The Lead Teacher plans and implements a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes gains toward kindergarten readiness as defined by Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, and Kindergarten Readiness Goals.

This role models excellence in interactions with children, families, staff, and the community. As part of a larger service system, this position also provides social service referrals and encourages parent involvement. It may be reassigned to other classrooms/centers as needed and may serve as "program director" for child care licensing purposes.

B. Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Development

• Attend all required trainings and workshops (including online and cluster meetings) per Head Start and Michigan licensing requirements.

• Remain current on child development practices, regulations, and performance standards.

• Stay informed on Developmentally Appropriate Practice.

• Understand universal precautions and prevention of occupational hazards.

• Work with children at all developmental levels.

• Maintain professional certifications required by Head Start and ISD standards.

• Complete and maintain Basic First Aid, CPR, and licensing-required training.

• Actively pursue opportunities for continued professional growth.

Preschool Program Implementation

• Deliver Head Start services per established performance standards and SISD operational procedures.

• Establish a safe, stimulating, developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children.

• Ensure classroom safety through use of the Daily Health and Safety Checklist.

• Maintain strict confidentiality (FERPA, HIPAA compliance).

• Foster self-esteem, independence, and readiness skills through positive interaction and curriculum.

• Follow and implement all approved program and supplemental curriculum.

• Conduct child screening, observation, assessment, and individualized planning or referrals.

• Participate in recruitment and transportation activities.

• Perform kitchen duties (e.g., warming food, taking temperatures, cleaning).

• Fulfill bus aide duties as necessary (e.g., paperwork, safety procedures).

• Eat with children to model good nutrition, social skills, and language development in a family-style setting.

Record Keeping

• Submit all paperwork and progress reports according to schedule.

• Supervise or manage classroom supply orders and inventory.

• Collaborate with Family Advocates to maintain child records.

• Maintain all individual, family, and classroom data necessary for planning, assessments, and compliance.

• Understand and document in-kind contributions toward non-federal share requirements.

Parent Involvement & Community Relations

• Support monthly Parent Club meetings.

• Arrange and document home visits and parent-teacher conferences.

• Supervise and mentor all classroom volunteers and parent helpers.

• Coordinate with local school systems for shared activities and smooth transitions.

• Participate in virtual family engagement efforts, as needed.

Supervision

• Plan and coordinate all classroom responsibilities with assigned Associate Teachers, Program Aides, and support staff.

C. Supervision Exercised

This position directly supervises:

• Associate Teacher

• Program Support Aide (if applicable)

• Classroom Substitutes

• Classroom Volunteers (if applicable)

This position is the first point of contact for conflict resolution in the classroom.

D. Knowledge and Abilities

• Deep knowledge and skills in early childhood development.

• Proficient in Active Supervision: visible positioning, listening, anticipation, engagement, and child redirection strategies.

• Proficient in Word, Excel, email, and program systems (ChildPlus, Teaching Strategies Gold) or willingness to learn.

• Basic knowledge of supervision and conflict management.

• Understanding of child protection laws and licensing regulations.

• Strong communication, professionalism, and patience when working with families, staff, and the public.

• Knowledge of food prep, serving, and sanitation procedures.

• Ability to take initiative and follow directions.

• Capability to develop respectful, goal-oriented partnerships with families.

• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse family structures and backgrounds.

• Commitment to integrated teamwork within a comprehensive service model.

E. Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Moderate to loud work environment typical of a preschool classroom.

• Travel by vehicle, airplane, or other means may be required for meetings or training. Some overnight travel may occur.

• Evening and weekend duties may occasionally be required for events or conferences.

• Bus riding duties may be expected.

Physical Requirements Include:

• Sitting in child-sized chairs/on the floor

• Bending, standing, walking, stair climbing, reaching, kneeling

• Lifting up to 75 pounds

• Fine/gross motor coordination, visual/auditory memory/discrimination

• Judgment, decision-making, reading, and writing

This position is covered under OSHA’s Final Rule on Bloodborne Pathogens (Category A), with potential exposure to communicable disease and pests. It is a mandated reporter of child abuse/neglect and requires DHS clearance.

F. Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Advanced Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent coursework.

• Experience teaching preschool required.

• Must be willing to complete administrative training within six months.

• Familiarity with Head Start philosophy and developmentally appropriate practice.

• Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.

• Must pass a TB test, drug screen, criminal background check, and health exam post-offer.

Personal Qualifications:
Emotional maturity, cooperation, respect for children and adults, patience, flexibility, good hygiene, and physical and mental wellness. Experience collaborating with parents in their child’s education is preferred.

G. Salary

• School Year Pay Range: $31,000 – $43,297 annually (based on credentials)

• Year-Round Pay Range: $40,000 – $56,287 annually (based on credentials)

SISD – Saginaw County Head Start is a customer-driven, family-friendly program that values professionalism, collaboration, and a strong community focus.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Saginaw Intermediate School District does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or national origin. Equal access is provided to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact:
Andrea Wise, Executive Director of Human Resources
Saginaw Intermediate School District
3933 Barnard Road, Saginaw, MI 48603
Phone: (989) 799-4733
Website: http://1.usa.gov/1Jssk6D
OCR Hotline: 1-800-421-3481