Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher Job Description

Position Title: Lead Teacher

Reports To: Director, Director Assistant

Job Category: Education

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Job Overview

The position of Lead Teacher includes fostering an environment to promote the physical, mental, social, and  academic well being of children at Full Heart Child Care. Lead teachers will provide quality care in balance  with social and intellectual experiences. With appropriate guidance, children will grow both psychologically and  socially in the care of Lead Teachers and Teacher Assistants.

Essential Duties and Functions:

*For all duties and functions, reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

1. Day to Day Caretaker

a. Create a safe and welcoming environment for children in care

b. Feed children healthy, approved food from a designated, parent-approved menu

c. Change children’s diapers at least every two hours or more often as needed. Take potty-trained children  to the restroom on an as-needed basis. Apply diaper cream as needed

d. Use the Brightwheel app to record all meals, toileting/diapering, and naps

e. Use the Brightwheel app to take at least one picture of each child for parent viewing

f. Comfort children who are struggling with any aspect of their self-regulation ability (feeling sad, angry, hurt,  etc.)

g. Report any injuries to the director immediately and provide care according to your ability

h. Assist children in falling asleep- this may mean rubbing backs, rocking, etc.

i. Provide individualized care for each child, but especially infants. Infants should be fed according to a  schedule provided by parents and sleep according to a schedule provided by parents.

2. Education/Behavior Management

a. Lead the planning of age-appropriate lesson plans for classroom in the areas of art, sensory, science,  math, and literacy

b. Help to create an environment that fosters learning through play by having activities available to children  all day, every day. Determine what materials are needed for classroom success.

c. Incorporate process-based art in the classroom and have open ended art available

d. Always have a sensory-play option available for children (water, rice, dirt, etc.)

e. Use appropriate, positive behavior management techniques for children in care

f. Help to decorate room and create spaces/boards that represent the themes of curriculum g. Refrain from negative discipline, yelling, or any type of corporal punishment. This is a zero-tolerance  policy and failing to comply will result in immediate termination.

h. Collaborate with other teachers in the room to determine correct form of behavior management i. Provide direction to teacher assistants and support staff in all areas of program development j. Communicate with parents face to face, at conferences, and via Kangarootime

3. Training/Compliance

a. Follow procedures and guidelines for any regulation-based portion of the day (diapering, sunscreen,  behavior management, etc.)

b. Maintain required training hours (on and off-site)

c. Seek out additional training in areas of interest/need

d. Maintain ratios at all times- this means you may not leave the classroom without another staff member  stepping in

e. Refrain from using your cell phone in classrooms

Requirements:

Essential qualifications:

✓ Associate’s Degree with at least 9 credit hours in early childhood education or related field OR CDA (Child  Development Associate)

✓ 3+ years experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age

✓ Must pass background checks

✓ Strong written oral communication skills

✓ Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others

✓ Ability to solve problems and act quickly in a crisis

Additional Competencies:

✓ Must be able to multi-task and work in a high-stress, loud environment

✓ Must have strong decision-making skills

✓ Must pay attention to detail and reflection

✓ Must have reliable transportation

✓ Must maintain a professional appearance and attitude

✓ Must be willing to be flexible and adaptable

Physical Requirements:

The demands of this job require the candidate to sit, stand, walk, bend, jump, reach, and lift  equipment and children up to 50 pounds. This position often requires the candidate to be outdoors, to  drive, to crawl, stoop, balance, walk up and down stairs, and run.

This job description is an overview of the tasks that are required. It is not a complete list of duties,  responsibilities, or requirements. At any time, management may add to, take away, or change the  functions of the position.

Please submit resumes to [email protected]