GENERAL:
The Lead Teacher is responsible for day to day management of their classroom, playground and general supervision of the facility. They are responsible for maintaining and encouraging a friendly and loving environment and the ongoing safety of children and staff. The Lead Teacher, in collaboration with the Director and teaching staff, is responsible for planning and implementing curriculum and age-appropriate activities. They are an integral part of promoting the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child and maintaining a friendly, safe, and loving environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, prepare, and implement developmentally appropriate activities (i.e., learning centers, curriculum implementation, art projects, and story time).
- Prepare materials and lessons for each day.
- Maintain a balance of activities in language and literature, music, fine and large motor skills, numbers and counting, discovery and science activities, dramatic play, and arts/crafts.
- Instruct children in activities designed to promote social, physical, emotional and intellectual growth.
- Attend children's basic needs by making sure they are fed and dressed and change diapers/pull-ups when required.
- Prepare and maintain an interesting, inviting, and organized classroom.
- Observe and evaluate each child's performance, behavior, social and cognitive development and physical health. Inform parents of a child's progress through Parent/Teacher conferences and regular communications.
- Record information pertinent to each child’s development and update children’s records as needed.
- Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
- Perform any necessary administrative duties such as monitoring pick-up/drop-off times.
- Embrace our philosophy, teaching style and behavior management techniques.
EXPECTATIONS:
- Maintain professional attitude and loyalty towards the center.
- Treat children, parents and staff with respect and dignity.
- Arrive for work and meetings on time.
- Meet licensing requirements
- Attend all mandatory staff meetings (typically once/month).
- Keep certifications current (e.g. CPR/First Aid & MiRegistry).
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Interactions with Others
- Welcomes families, volunteers and others into the classroom by creating a friendly environment and facilitating their participation.
- Demonstrates tact, courtesy, tolerance and consideration for others. Interactions with individuals reflect mutual trust, respect and support.
- Treats each child with dignity and respect. Respect the privacy of children by not discussing children or their families in front of other children.
- Includes children in conversation with parents when the child is present and being discussed.
- Uses a confident, firm tone of voice in handling behavioral problems, not a shrill or angry voice.
- Never uses food or rest as a punishment.
- Shares information appropriately with other staff members; keeps classroom staff informed but doesn’t violate confidentiality with those who have no need to know.
- Works with co-workers to share information on planned daily activities of the program, classroom management techniques, room arrangements and communication with families.
Health and Safety
- Maintains an orderly physical environment conducive to optimal growth and development with special regard to health and safety.
- Reports any medical problems and accidents to other staff and to the parents.
- Knows and follows Universal Precautions. Knows and follows proper Handwashing procedures.
- Knows procedures for reporting suspected incidents of child abuse and/or neglect.
- Participates in monthly fire drills and knows the primary and secondary evacuation routes.
- Observes the classroom, classroom supply areas, playground area and equipment for hazards and keeps the areas neat and sanitary.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Knowledge of NAEYC guidelines and licensing regulations.
- Ability to communicate and receive information and ideas via oral and written methods. Ability to speak clearly so that it is understandable to a listener
- Ability to perform physical activities that require moving one’s whole body, such as in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, where the activities often also require considerable use of the arms and legs, such as needed in the daily care of children.
- Ability to cope with a stressful environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills as outlined in duties on this job description.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Associates or Bachelors Degree in ECE or Equivalent Coursework
- Experience in a Licensed Childcare Facility
- Experience and love for working with children
- Must be able to pass background check and provide necessary credentials.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
- Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
