Lead Teacher

Description:

Position Purpose:To plan and implement developmentally appropriate programming for the classroom assigned. Monitors each child’s development and plan programming to maximize skill development. Communicate regularly with families to exchange information about child’s development. Communicate with supervisors and co-workers to ensure efficient delivery of services.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Classroom/Program Management:

• Provide competent supervisor and daily care to all children in your assigned classroom

Children/Parent Interactions

• Uses appropriate language and tone when talking with the children.
• Promotes self-esteem while encouraging self-help skills.
• Shows warmth and affection for all children in the center.
• Promotes the daily exchange of information about children’s activities and progress to families.
• Accommodate the family’s instructions for daily care routines when able. Follow developmentally appropriate practices.
• Holds bi-annual parent-teacher conferences. Be available to conference with families at other times as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality when discussing issues relating to any child.
• Communicates with potential families on tours to offer information specific to their classroom.

Staff Relations

• Responsible for the development and maintenance of a cooperative team approach.
• Participates in regular staff meetings.
• Participates in a yearly program evaluation.
• Offers leadership to assistant teacher and other co-workers throughout the center.

Children/Parent Interactions

• Uses appropriate language and tone when talking with the children.
• Promotes self-esteem while encouraging self-help skills.
• Shows warmth and affection for all children in the center.
• Promotes the daily exchange of information about children’s activities and progress to families.
• Accommodate the family’s instructions for daily care routines when able. Follow developmentally appropriate practices.
• Holds bi-annual parent-teacher conferences. Be available to conference with families at other times as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality when discussing issues relating to any child.
• Communicates with potential families on tours to offer information specific to their classroom.

Staff Relations

• Responsible for the development and maintenance of a cooperative team approach.
• Participates in regular staff meetings.
• Participates in a yearly program evaluation.
• Offers leadership to assistant teacher and other co-workers throughout the center.

Professional Development

• Participates in workshops and trainings according to the Office of Children and Family Services regulations, National Accreditation, and also pursues additional professional development as appropriate.(Annual requirement of 30 hours of training)
• Stays current with First Learning policies, OCFS regulations, National Accreditation guidelines and other pertinent regulations (CACFP, Health Department).

Communication

• Daily, in person contact with families, co-workers and supervisors to exchange information related to care and development of children in your care.
• Written correspondence to monitor development, record accidents, illnesses, medication administration and any other pertinent information.

Requirements:

Education: A minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education with plan to continue further education. Additional ongoing professional and educational development is required.

Certification: Foundations in Health and Safety Certificate; or a willingness to complete the training within the first week of hire.

Experience: At least 1 year of program experience is required.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of early childhood developmentally appropriate practices. Working knowledge of the regulatory environment. Current CPR, First Aid and Medical Administration Training (MAT) certifications are required; or the willingness to complete them within the first year of employment.

Physical/Mental Abilities: Must be physically and mentally able to provide daily routine care of children. Must be able to properly supervise children by sight and sounds. Must be able to react quickly when safety concern arise in an emergency situation.

Skills: Strong leadership skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with parents, children, staff and supervisor. Flexible to varied assignments, along with a positive attitude and the ability to integrate into a team to work towards the mission and goals of Generations.