JOB DESCRIPTION 

Title: LEAD TEACHER 

Department: Operations

Reports to: Center Director

Oversees: Teacher Assistant(s)

Purpose: 

To implement and plan learning experiences that advance the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of the young children the Company serves. To provide a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where self-concepts are enhanced, while independence is encouraged and individuality is respected.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

Performs all aspects of the day-to-day activities in the classroom.

Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of the children at all times.

Remains alert to the needs and/or problems of the children as individuals and as a group.

Interacts with children in a positive, friendly manner.

Offers a developmentally appropriate program according to the Company’s curriculum and NAEYC standards that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of both the individual and the group.

Interacts with the children and encourages their involvement in group activities as well as positive reaction and involvement with individual caregivers.

Gears the program to the needs of the individual child with concerns for their interests, special needs, special talents and individual style and pace of learning.

Sits and eats with the children at specified mealtimes. Practices family-style mealtime procedure.

Completes all required paperwork according to Company and NAEYC guidelines.

Supervises, trains, and evaluates classroom team.

Establishes and maintain effective communication with parents through parent communication log and on a daily informational basis.

Observes, records, and reports significant individual and group behavior.

Maintains food storage area.

Performs daily maintenance responsibilities including sanitizing, changing, and bedding cribs as needed.

Performs daily sanitizing and maintenance of floor play area, swings, rocking chairs, and other furniture in room.

Remains aware of the exact number of children in care at all times; aware of each child’s specific whereabouts.

Supervises children by sight and sound at all times.

Supervises and interacts in outside play daily (weather permitting).

Uses appropriate and positive discipline techniques. Trains and evaluates classroom team on effective discipline techniques.

Maintains all records and files.

Informs staff of program goals and developments both with children, parents, Directors, and Administration.

All staff will be required to attend state specific in-service training and company trainings.

Inventories supplies as needed and informs Center Director of any items that require replenishment. Informs Center Director of new equipment needed or equipment in need of repair.  Prepares and maintains materials and equipment needed in the program.

Performs diaper changes, if applicable, per individual child’s schedule and NAEYC procedure, including proper disposal of soiled diapers.

Launders clothes, blankets, and the like as needed according to proper sanitation guidelines and standards.

Is responsible for and maintains sole responsibility for the welfare, health, and safety of the children assigned to his/her classroom. 

Assists in evacuation of the building in an emergency and responds immediately to any emergency situation.

Complies with applicable universal precautions and infection control guidelines and procedures. 

Treats each child with dignity and respect.

Assists the children in daily activities, at mealtime, and during rest periods.

Implements the daily program for assigned age groups.

Decorates inside and outside the classroom as needed (e.g. bulletin boards,

pictures, children’s artwork, etc.)

Keeps classrooms, equipment, materials, storage rooms, and bathrooms clean, neat, and orderly.

Considers the individual child in relationship to their cultural and socioeconomic background.

Maintains order in the classroom.

Provides effective communication and feedback with parents/families about their child(ren) on a daily basis. Establishes and maintains a conducive relationship with parents/families.

Supervises and assists the child(ren) in restroom dictated by the Company’s procedure.

Complies with all Company policies, procedures and work practices.

Models, supports, and reinforces the Company Core Values in daily behavior.

Assists in any classrooms, at any time, as needed for ratios.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Educational & Experience Requirements: 

          High school diploma or equivalent required.

Childcare licensing determines the requirements for a Lead Teacher in the state or region that this position operates from.

          At least one year of childcare experience preferred.

Qualifications & Skills: 

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills in order to communicate effectively with staff, children, and parents.

Obtain approved clearance for child abuse and maltreatment.

Must be able to obtain certification for CPR and First Aid.

Willingness to continually increase knowledge in the field.

Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented.

Follows instructions and deadlines.

Presents oneself in a professional manner.

Must maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

Reliable, punctual, and attentive to work schedule.

Physical Demands: 

Ability to speak and be understood under normal circumstances.

Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.

Extensive standing and walking; sitting on the floor and on low (12”) chairs.

Frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling.

Ability to lift and carry children extensively in the infant/toddler program; less frequently in the preschool program, up to 50 pounds.

Frequent moving of equipment (Cots, tables, etc.).

Pushing children in buggies, strollers, and walking for considerable periods.

The necessity of being outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Exposure to unpleasant odors and fluids caused by vomit (occasional) and bodily elimination.

Relatively frequent exposure to loud noises (baby crying, toys falling and other common occurrences of children at play).