Child Care Center- Lead Teacher-Two Year old Classroom

Shenandoah University’s Child Care Center is accepting applications for a lead teacher in the 2-year-old classroom. This is a full-time benefited position located in Winchester, Virginia.

Shenandoah University Childcare Center offers a warm, exciting, and friendly atmosphere.  Teachers are eligible for all university benefits including university tuition reimbursement for self, dependents, and spouse. Shenandoah offers a competitive benefits package including additional university holidays. 

The childcare center is an intricate part of our community. Our philosophy is that the well-rounded child develops through a variety of experiences and stimuli. Most importantly, we feel it is essential that each child develops a positive self-concept, feels loved, secure, and safe while in our care.

The Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining an organized classroom that is positive, safe, fun, and educational. The Lead Teacher provides developmentally appropriate care and learning experiences for children while overseeing the daily operation of the classroom.

Essential Duties:

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and weekly lesson plans aligned with the Center’s curriculum and Virginia Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS).
• Plan individual and group experiences that support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, physical, and creative development.
• Use hands-on learning, meaningful play, and open-ended questions to encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Maintain frequent and professional communication with families regarding children’s development, daily experiences, and classroom activities.
• Supervise and provide direction to assistant teachers and substitutes to ensure classroom routines, planned activities, hygiene, and safety procedures are followed.
• Maintain active supervision, required ratios, and a safe, clean, organized classroom environment.
• Provide developmentally appropriate positive guidance and support children’s growing independence and social skills.
• Assist with diapering, toilet learning, handwashing, meals, and other daily-care routines.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, lesson plans, attendance, and required documentation.
• Follow Shenandoah University, Child Care Center, and Virginia licensing policies and procedures.
• Participate in required professional development, staff meetings, and Center activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

Required Education Level and Experience: 

Must be at least 21 years of age and meet one of the following educational requirements:

• A graduate degree in a child related field such as, but not limited to, elementary education, nursing, or recreation from a college or university and six months of programmatic experience;
• An endorsement or bachelor’s degree in a child related field such as, but not limited to, elementary education, nursing, or recreation from a college or university and one year of programmatic experience;
• Associate’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study with a minimum of 18 Credits in ECE and one year of programmatic experience.
• A Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and one year of programmatic experience.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

In addition to the educational component, applicant must have the following:

• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• High energy, positive attitude and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Must have current Infant/Child/Adult CPR and First Aid certification.
• VA online Preservice Training (13 hours)
• TB screening (no sooner than 30 days before start date)
• Must clear full background check, fingerprinting and must pass urine drug screening
• Annually receive 16 hours in-service training and attend staff meetings.
• Requirements also include the ability to lift at least 50 pounds, have physical dexterity, have the ability to reach arms above head, and be able to kneel, bend, squat and crawl.

Required Experience

• Two years working with children 

 

How to Apply: 

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire. 

**Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.