Childcare Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

OVERVIEW OF POSITION :

The United Way Neighborhood Zone at Columbia seeks to work alongside partners and residents to strengthen the communities of Howard County by utilizing a community informed approach. Integral to this strategy is the United Way Family Center at Columbia, which will provide early childhood education as well as supportive services to Center engaged families. This is a new Center with a capacity of 76 children ages 8 weeks through 4 years old.

In accordance with the needs of the ages of the population, the Childcare Lead Teacher is responsible for the daily planning, management and supervision of the classroom and children. The Teacher will work in coordination with the Child Development Specialist, Family Services Coordinator and Childcare Aide. This position is a full-time, non-exempt 12-month position.

Critical features of this position are described under the headings below but are subject to change at the discretion of management. This job description reflects the designation of essential job functions but does not provide an all-inclusive list of duties that may be assigned.

CHILDCARE LEAD TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES :

Work as a team member to provide a warm, nurturing environment, model and encourage appropriate social interactions and assure individual age-appropriate activities for each child.

Lead Child Centered Non-directive play within the program.

Work with Child Development Specialist in planning lessons, classroom strategies, therapy and educational goals for individuals and groups, and daily care plan, using Creative Curriculum as a framework.

Assume responsibility for classroom activities and supervising assistants to assure that classroom functions are in an orderly manner and in a least restrictive environment.

Develop plan and prepare instructional aids / material for classroom.

Assure that all center / classroom paperwork is completed in timely fashion (Daily log, child observations, attendance, assessment tools, progress notes).

Ensure that appearance, cleanliness, and safe environment of classroom is appropriately maintained.

Maintain courteous communications with parents regarding their child’s progress, needs, and concerns.

Participate in implementation of trauma informed, attachment-based activities / model (e.g. Circle of Security, Circle time; NCAST taping, etc.).

Other Duties as assigned related to the program.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS :

• High School Diploma or GED
• 90 Hour Child Care certificate or equivalent education required; 45 Hour Infant and Toddler certificate required
• At least 2 years’ experience working in a childcare or early learning environment
• Breastfeeding Certificate required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :