Lead Teacher

The Early Education Lead Teacher is responsible for the academic, social-emotional growth and development of all children in their care, which may include toddlers and/or preschool age children; develops partnerships with birth parents/child’s caregivers to engage and encourage parent participation in program. Lead Teacher is also responsible for assuring compliance with codes of all State and local governing contracting agencies; and works collegially with other staff members. 
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  
 
o    Perform duties as planned under the leadership of the Early Childhood Director. o Greet each child in assigned group 
o    Maintain open, friendly, and cooperative relationships with each child’s family, and encourage their involvement in the program 
o    Daily attendance reports o Maintain a safe environment based on safety standards set by the program o Daily planning and execution of all classroom and outdoor activities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving; appropriate to the developmental levels of the children 
o    Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of children, with an emphasis on language development and emergent literacy skills 
o    Encourage children to participate o Play with the children, including getting down on the floor to interact with children. 
o    Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials appropriate to the developmental levels of the children 
o    Support the social and emotional development of children 

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES       
o    Knowledge of child development theory and best practices in early childhood group care and education. 
o    Early Child Development knowledge and experience.  
o    Knowledge in Desired Results, Developmental Appropriate Practices.  
o    Knowledge of State Subsidized Program Requirements for Center Programs.  
o    Good communication, problem solving, and priority setting skills as well as maintaining an overall positive and professional attitude /disposition.  
o    Ability to effectively plan, organize and implement educational activities.   
o    Must be able to manage confidential information. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 
o    Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education Required, minimum of CDA  
o    First aid/CPR certificate
o    Satisfactory completion of background check.
o    At least 3-5 years’ experience working in an early childhood setting with at least 1-2 years of head teacher experience 
o    Experience working with persons from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
o    Must be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the children and the program
o    Exemplary written and spoken communication skills
o    Strong collaboration skills; able to work well with a team
o    Effective multitasker; can prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines
o    Must pass background check before starting employment 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
o    Lifting and carrying children up to 25 pounds

o     Close contact with children

o     Direct supervision of children 
o    Diaper changing, Assisting children with toileting and hand washing, Ability to interact with children on the floor 
 
OTHER  

o    Assist with fundraising events as needed 
o    Spearhead or assist on special projects as may be assigned o Perform other duties as assigned 
 
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and the successful candidate will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and/or other management staff as required.  The JCC reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises.  Every employee of the SAAJCC is an at-will employee, and this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.