The Head Teacher is responsible for the planning and implementation of a complete early childhood program including supervision, assessment, and curriculum for a classroom of children. The Head Teacher establishes and maintains professional and supportive relationships with all parents/guardians and supervises and coaches support staff and University student workers. The Head Teacher is responsible for maintaining the classroom, assessing and maintaining care, programming for the classroom and ensuring the safety of all children. The UCDC is a laboratory school and Head Teachers support those efforts by providing practicum experiences and research opportunities to University students and faculty. Head Teachers are expected to contribute professionally to the program, write newsletter articles, attend Head Teacher meetings and attend five professional development days annually. Head Teachers are required to maintain 12 hours of professional development during their employment and maintain all state licensing and Keystone STARS and NAEYC standards, along with successful implementation of the UCDC philosophy and curriculum. Successful use of technology for parent/guardian communication, assessments and documentation is expected. Strong leadership and communication skills are necessary. Additional duties as required.

Supervises and cares for young children while maintaining a safe, inclusive classroom. Facilitates effective learning programs and prepares lessons and activities in accordance with departmental goals and philosophies. Maintains confidential records and collaborates on scheduling, hiring, programming, and evaluation procedures.

Essential functions include planning and implementation of a complete child development program for a class of children, establishing and maintaining relationships with all parents/guardians and supervision of support staff.

The work involves occasional, and at times sustained performance of heavier physical tasks such as traversing over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, traversing space quickly, and lifting and/or carrying 40-pound children. Work exposes the employee to potentially non disabling injuries or illnesses. Duties require regular exposure to the outside. Bloodborne and airborne pathogens present a potential hazard.