Lead Teacher

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:

Responsible for the general supervision and management of a classroom.  Major functions include planning, implementing, and supervising a developmentally appropriate inclusive program for the designated classroom, in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the Center.

PRIMARY DUTY

• Caring for the physical needs of the children

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for planning and daily implementation of developmentally appropriate activities that address all curriculum areas for all children

• Responsible for planning and preparing the learning environment, setting up learning centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies, bulletin boards, etc

• Responsible for completing all assigned paperwork including daily sheets, portfolios, illness/incident reports and monitoring records for children with and without disabilities

• Responsible for entering appropriate information for each child into the online assessment system

• Responsible for mentoring and coaching Assistant Teachers, utilizing effective communication and active listening skills

• Keeps abreast of the developmental needs and programmatic requirements of all children in the classroom including children with disabilities

• Responsible for the daily opening and/or closing duties for the classroom

• Responsible for diapering and toileting children as well as changing soiled clothes

• Assures that the environment, materials and equipment are in good condition and reports problems and unsafe conditions to the Director of Facilities and Operations

• Upholds and represents center philosophy, policies, and regulations to parents, visitors, and others

• Responsible for planning and supervising classroom routines, staff and volunteers

• Coordinates and schedules parent conferences

• Communicates effectively and professionally with parents on matters relating to education and child development, child progress, and behavioral concerns, through informal conversations, email, and written means

• Collaborates and interacts effectively with ancillary personnel (e.g., therapists, Inclusion Specialist, etc.) to include children with disabilities

• Responsible for the daily safety and supervision of ALL children regardless of assigned classroom

• Adheres to all policies and procedures as described in the Teacher Handbook

• Maintains all training requirements, including CPR/First Aid, as dictated by DECAL

• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Must be able to lift, push, and pull a minimum of 50 pounds

• Ability to reach, bend, and stand for long periods of time

• Ability to lift from floor to chest level

• Ability to sit on classroom floor and/or small chairs

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to and is under the direct and primary supervision of the Curriculum Coordinator of the Lead Teachers’ assigned classroom. The secondary supervisor is the Director of the Children’s Development Program.

EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA), required

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in a related field, preferred

• A minimum of 3 years experience as a lead teacher in a childcare facility

• Current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification, preferred

• DECAL child care training and additional training specific to curriculum and intervention programs

• Knowledgeable of “best practices” as it pertains to Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning licensing regulations and the Creative Curriculum

• Previous exposure to young children with developmental disabilities, preferred

• Strong supervisory, communication and organizational skills, preferred