Early Learning Center - Lead Teacher

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Early Learning Center - Lead Teacher is responsible for the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team and functions as a team leader.  The Lead Teacher plans and implements the curriculum, and, with the active participation of other teaching team members, works with parents to assess the needs of individual children.

Supervisor: Director of Early Learning Center

Supervisory Responsibilities:  Assistant Teacher

Position Status:  Salaried, Non-exempt, Full-time, 10-Month

Hours of Work: Standard work week.  Typical hours are Monday through Friday. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a successful candidate.

• At least 18 years of age
• A minimum of a CDA plus applicable experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Able to meet the requirements of the State Licensing Agency, Bright From the Start, which includes but is not limited to a National Fingerprint background check and additional training to be completed annually
• Possess current/valid CPR and First Aid Certification, or willing to obtain once employed
• Ability to interact effectively with a broad constituency while representing the school with professionalism and enthusiasm
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Team player with a positive attitude, proactive approach, and customer-service mindset
• Demonstrated commitment to early childhood development and teaching
• Ability to successfully carry out responsibilities with little supervision

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Establish and Maintain a Safe and Healthy Environment

• Establishes and maintains an environment for children that is clean, safe, and stimulating and that is appropriate for each child’s developmental level
• Is familiar with and follows Bright from the Start Rules and Regulations for Childcare Centers
• Maintains classroom appearance, décor, and learning environment
• Assumes an equal share of the joint housekeeping responsibilities of the staff that ensure a clean and organized classroom. This involves sanitizing surfaces throughout the day, including between meals and at the end of the day.
• Designs and implements room arrangement that supports the goals of the classroom
• Promotes healthy eating practices
• Promote proper hygiene practices to prevent illnesses (i.e., handwashing, use of Kleenex, sneezing into the elbow)

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Advance Each Child’s Motor and Intellectual Competence

• Provides supportive emerging literacy and language development by supplementing the provided curriculum with activities that enhance it and meet each child's needs and interests
• Implements a curriculum that fosters the construction of mathematical knowledge through hands-on activities
• Designs and implements activities that foster fine and gross motor development
• Follows an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of each child 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Support Each Child’s Social and Emotional Development and Provide Positive Guidance

• Designs and implements a program that is tailored to the needs of the individual child and his/her pace of learning, and takes into consideration each child’s culture and socioeconomic background
• Ensures that each child, co-worker, and parent are treated with dignity and respect
• Helps each child, co-worker, and parent to become aware of his/her role as an integral member of a family unit/group