A lead teacher at The Goddard School is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment. Additionally, a lead teacher is responsible to work together with an Assistant Teacher and in conjunction with the entire faculty.
General Qualifications
A lead teacher must meet the qualifications of California state and the following qualifications:
- the ability to understand and support the education program using “learning through play” philosophy.
- the ability to interact closely with children at their level.
- the ability to keep children within sight and sound supervision at all times.
- the ability to change children’s diapers and/or assist in toileting (where necessary);
- the ability to understand and comply with the franchisee’s employment policies.
- the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with school personnel, children and parents.
- the ability to handle crisis situations, including assisting in evacuating the building during emergencies; and
- the ability to comply in all respects with all applicable laws and regulations relating to childcare.
Educational Qualifications
All candidates who wish to be considered for the position of lead teacher must meet one or more of the following criteria, in addition to any/all requirements that may be mandated by their state and/or local licensing authorities:
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development.
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8.
- An associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development or a related field.
- An associate degree or higher in a related field, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8.
- A current CDA or Early Childhood Teaching Credential.
- Proof of current and active enrollment in a CDA Credentialing Program.
- Proof of current and active enrollment in an accredited Associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- 12 ECE units including the core classes to qualify for a teacher position or 9 ECE units including the core classes and being enrolled in a three-unit ECE course to qualify to a teacher/assistant teacher position.
Teacher Responsibilities
A lead teacher’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Establish and maintain a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment
- Design an appropriate room arrangement to support the goals and developmental level of the children in the classroom.
- Develop an appropriate classroom management system to support the goals and developmental level of the children in the classroom.
- Ensure that classroom equipment is in good repair.
- Understand and implement The Goddard School® emergency procedure(s).
- Promote healthy eating practices at lunch and snack times.
- Ensure that children are always within state ratio requirements.
- Perform minor cleaning responsibilities (e.g., spills) immediately.
- Perform major cleaning during times when children are not present.
- Post a classroom schedule that meets the needs of the children and includes a routine and learning opportunities.
- Post and adhere to all GSI Health and Safety policies and procedures.
Advance children’s physical and intellectual competence
- Adapt program to meet the individual needs of each child.
- Create a multi-cultural learning environment.
- Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to engage children in learning.
- Interact with the children to support play, exploration and learning.
- Encourage children to talk with each other and with the faculty.
- Present age- and developmentally-appropriate expectations for all children.
- Create a print-rich environment for children to learn about books, literature and writing.
- Encourage creativity through art, music, dramatic play and blocks.
- Provide a reasonable balance between teacher-directed and child-directed activities.
- Provide opportunities for both active and quiet play.
- Integrate GSI-approved resources (including Enrichment Programs) into lesson plans.
Support each child’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
- Understand and adhere to the GSI Behavior Policy.
- Plan and implement activities to develop children’s self-esteem and social skills.
- Plan and implement activities to enable children’s feeling of security.
- Encourage empathetic and respectful feelings for others, as well as the environment, through positive modeling.
- Respect cultural and ethnic diversity.
Establish positive and effective family relations
- Communicate, in a professional manner, with families and faculty.
- Encourage families to become an integral part of their children’s learning experiences.
- Provide opportunities (e.g., conferences) in which families are made to feel a part of their children’s learning experiences.
- Prepare a Daily Activity Report for each child.
- Maintain a portfolio for each child.
- Maintain the classroom Parent Board.
Ensure an effective program, responsive to children’s needs
- Assess supplies and materials needed to implement activities.
- Build teamwork.
- Develop lesson plans.
- Manage classrooms according to GSI QA Standards.
- Perform child observations and document in their portfolios.
- Use assessment tools (e.g., Progress Reports, Children’s Progress).
Maintain professional commitment
- Promote “learning through play” philosophy and educational objectives.
- Support a code of ethical conduct.
- Pursue professional development/continuing education.
- Attend faculty meetings, in-service days, conferences and professional growth opportunities.
To be considered for the open position you must have:
- Minimum of 6 months working experience in a large center environment.
- ACTIVE and CLEAR DOJ LIVESCAN REQUIRED.
- Mandated Reporter Certification.
- CPR and First Aid Certification.
- A current physical examination by a Physician, including a current tuberculin test.
- Must submit accurate shot record including MMR, T-dap and Influenza.
- An approved criminal record check as required by state regulations.
- Complete California state required health clearance.
Benefits after Probation period
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Monday to Friday - 8 hour shift
- No weekends
- Paid time off
- Sick Time off
- Life insurance
- Referral program
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
