Position Summary:Serves as the primary teacher responsible for day-to-day classroom leadership, curriculum implementation, and the creation of a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for the assigned age group. The Lead Teacher models high-quality practice for assistant and floating teachers, partners closely with families, and helps ensure classroom compliance with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood, child care licensing rules (5 CSR 25‑500) and center policies. Lead Teachers may be assigned to infant/toddler (0–2 years) or preschool/pre‑K (2–5 years) classrooms and are expected to understand developmental needs and expectations specific to their age group.
Essential Responsibilities
- Classroom Leadership & Daily Management (approximately 50%)
- Provides overall leadership for the assigned classroom, ensuring that each child’s day is safe, predictable, and engaging.
- Plans and implements daily schedules and activities that reflect the center’s curriculum and philosophy and that meet Missouri licensing expectations.
- Sets up and maintains a well-organized environment with clearly defined learning areas, age-appropriate materials, and posted daily plans.
- Monitors and supports health and safety practices at all times, including active supervision, proper handwashing, sanitation, safe sleep (if applicable), and adherence to food handling guidelines. Models positive, respectful interactions with children, families, and staff, setting the tone for how the classroom functions and how problems are solved.
- Child Development, Curriculum & Assessment (approximately 25%)
- Implements developmentally appropriate curriculum for the assigned age group, including experiences that support social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
- For infants and toddlers, this includes responsive caregiving, individualized routines, sensory exploration, and secure relationship-building.
- For preschool/pre‑K, this includes more structured learning experiences that support kindergarten readiness, such as early literacy, math, thinking skills, and self-help skills.
- Conducts developmental observations and assessments consistent with center tools and timelines, documents learning and progress for each child, and uses this information to adapt activities and supports.
- Works with the Program Supervisor to implement individualized strategies for children with unique needs or suspected delays, and supports inclusion in collaboration with leadership and families.
- Team Coordination & Mentoring (approximately 15%)
- Coordinates the work of Assistant Teachers and Floating Assistants assigned to the classroom, ensuring that everyone understands the daily schedule, lesson plans, routines, and expectations.
- Provides clear direction during the day regarding supervision zones, transitions, behavior guidance, and task sharing (diapering, toileting, materials prep, cleaning).
- Offers informal, in-the-moment coaching to support consistent, high-quality interactions and adherence to center procedures and Missouri licensing rules.
- Communicates classroom needs and concerns to the Program Supervisor and participates actively in team meetings, training sessions, and planning times.
- Helps orient and mentor new staff and substitutes to the classroom’s routines and expectations.
- Parent Partnership & Communication (approximately 10%)
- Builds positive, trusting relationships with families by maintaining regular, professional communication about children’s experiences, progress, and needs.
- Prepares accurate daily reports (e.g., meals, naps, diapering/toileting, activities, notable events) using center systems and expectations.
- Participates in or leads parent-teacher conferences as requested by the Program Supervisor, sharing assessment information, developmental milestones, and strategies families can use at home.
- Responds to parent questions and concerns in a timely, respectful manner, and elevates more complex issues to the Program Supervisor.
- Supports family engagement efforts such as classroom events, celebrations, and transition activities.
Required Qualifications
- Must meet or be able to meet Missouri DESE Office of Childhood staff qualification requirements for a lead teacher in a licensed child care center, consistent with the center’s age group assignment and licensing rules (5 CSR 25‑500).
- A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (Infant/Toddler or Preschool, as appropriate) is required or must be actively pursued within an agreed-upon timeframe.
- At least one year of prior childcare experience in a licensed setting is required, with a minimum of six months of successful employment at Talented Tots (or as otherwise defined by internal policy).
- Current certification in infant/child CPR and First Aid is required or must be obtained within the center’s established onboarding timeline.
- The Lead Teacher must demonstrate strong classroom management skills, the ability to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, and the capacity to build positive, professional relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
- The Lead Teacher must also meet all Missouri background screening, Family Care Safety Registry, medical exam, immunization, and required training-hour standards for child care staff.
Success Metrics
- Success in this role is reflected in strong outcomes for children, families, and the classroom team.
- The Lead Teacher supports and maintains high parent satisfaction ratings (for example, 4.5 or higher on surveys and feedback tools), with particular praise for communication, child progress, and classroom environment.
- All developmental assessments, conferences, and required documentation are completed accurately and on time in accordance with center and Missouri licensing expectations.
- The classroom maintains a strong safety record, with zero preventable safety incidents and full adherence to supervision, health, sanitation, and safe sleep standards.
- Finally, the Lead Teacher contributes positively to team culture, collaborates effectively with the Program Supervisor and peers, and is recognized as a dependable, solutions-focused leader in the assigned age group.
Pay: From $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
