Lead Teachers

Job Type: Full-Time

Purpose of the Position

The Lead Teacher is responsible for providing a safe and developmentally appropriate program in accordance with Center policies, procedures, and licensing requirements.

Scope

The Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate program. They must ensure the development and safety of children in accordance with Center policies, procedures, and licensing requirements. The Lead Teacher will be respectful of children, parents, and other staff members and will project a positive attitude at all times. The Lead Teacher will also help to ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and well maintained by reporting any needed repairs.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate program for young children.

  • Plan and implement activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the children in the program
  • Provide weekly and monthly schedules of activities
  • Develop culturally appropriate programs and activities
  • Conduct activities that utilize a variety of art materials and encourage creative expression
  • Implement activities that introduce math, literacy, and science concepts
  • Follow policies and procedures including acceptable disciplinary policies
  • Be familiar with and able to follow emergency procedures

Supervise children in the classroom.

  • Ensure children are supervised at all times
  • Provide various experiences and activities for children including songs, games and story telling
  • Build children’s self-esteem/confidence
  • Comfort children
  • Establish routines and provide positive guidance
  • Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortable
  • Implement positive discipline when required
  • Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand
  • Observe children and make note of progress
  • Integrate special needs children in a positive and respectful manner

Supervise Assistant Teachers and Teacher Aides

  • Orient new staff on classroom procedures, job duties, expectations, etc.
  • Periodically meet with your classroom team to discuss performance, programming, issues regarding children/parents, things that are going well, daily routine, etc.
  • Directly supervise the work of Assistant Teachers/Associates in the classroom offering support, guidance, and encouragement for the success of the classroom team
  • Address performance concerns that arise within the classroom. Continue to communicate and work on strategies to help find improvement
  • Meet with the Director or Assistant Director if unable to resolve conflicts or if staff performance improvement does not occur – bring potential solutions and ideas
  • Assist with performance evaluations, giving input on Assistant Teachers and Aides performances
  • Consider registering for trainings that build on leadership skills

Communicate with parents and members of the community.

  • Communicate children’s development with parents
  • Discuss identified problems and needs with professionals as appropriate
  • Promote literacy and early education
  • Participate in Center fundraising and other activities

Maintain program administration.

  • Work with other lead teachers regarding the transition of children, sharing ideas and suggestions, support each other with projects, encourage interaction among classrooms, etc.
  • Communicate with other lead teachers regarding conflicts and issues that may arise in order to reach a positive resolution
  • Keep parents informed of program expectations, program activities and their child’s progress
  • Develop daily activity plans
  • Complete all required forms, such as incident reports, medication authorizations, etc.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
  • Register and attend educational sessions as required by state licensing
  • Regularly attend monthly staff meetings
  • Assist with Center projects and activities

Perform other related duties as required including cleaning, opening, and closing procedures.

Reporting

This position reports to the Executive Director; in the Executive Director’s absence to the Director of Operations or Director of Programming. This position supervises the classroom’s Assistant Teacher and Associates.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

Caring for children can be physically demanding. The Lead Teacher may be lifting and carrying children and equipment, and will spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture. The Lead Teacher will be expected to assist with cleaning and maintaining equipment and the facility. The Lead Teacher will come in contact with children who are ill and/or contagious, and must take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, staff, and themselves.

Environmental Conditions

The Lead Teacher will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Lead Teacher will need to supervise all children at all times.

Sensory Demands

The Lead Teacher may experience smells associated with toileting and children who are ill. There may be times that the environment is noisy and busy.

Mental Demands

Caring for children can be stressful. The Lead Teacher must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities. There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the Lead Teacher must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

All Job Openings
Apply Now