Lead Teacher-Early Childhood

Lead Teacher

The Lead Teacher is responsible for assisting the Director and Administrator in operating the child care program in a manner that contributes to the growth and development of children. They also act as responsible staff in the short term absence of the Director. The Lead Teacher is professionally prepared as a teacher of young children, especially in the field of early childhood education and/or child development. Candidate will help teach the Get Kids Ready program. The Lead Teacher is a warm, sensitive, mature individual who relates well to children and adults.

Qualifications

• Must be ''lead teacher certified'' through The Registry
• Must meet Department of Children and Family requirements for position held
• Four-year degree in Early Childhood Education preferred, 2 year degree required

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood
• Strong group management skills with children
• Effective organizational and planning skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Ability to understand and follow instructions precisely

Responsible to: Director and Administrator

Responsibilities/Duties

• Help teach the Get Kids Ready Program
• Cooperating with licensing staff and other appropriate agencies in maintaining compliance with requirements and in improving the quality of care
• Maintaining a physical environment, including upkeep of equipment, that conforms to DCFS licensing standards of safety and cleanliness and that is conducive to optimal growth & development of children who attend the center and the well-being of all involved in the childcare center activities
• Obtaining the required training hours annually to meet the requirements by DCFS licensing
• Development of curriculum for day to day activities and schedules, including all aspects of children's time at the center and is a part of the staff to child ratio
• Responsible for assessment and constant supervision of children at all times to ensure safety
• Maintain progress records of each child's growth and development
• Attend promptly to children's personal hygiene needs
• Develop rapport with children, parents, and co-workers
• Work with parents to promote understanding of their child's growth and development
• Attends staff and parent meetings and participates in these meetings
• Prepare meals as directed
• Assist with clean up duties and proper sanitation as needed
• Keep all client information confidential
• Effectively train and supervise assistant teachers and volunteers by acting as a resource and a role model
• Assists with supervision and evaluation of assistant teachers
• Assist with development and maintenance of good staff relationships
• Assists the Director with coordination of the center's childcare programs to meet the needs of children served
• Performs other duties as assigned by the director and/or administrator

Physical Requirements

Must be able to:

• Lift up to 50lbs
• Push emergency equipment with up to 40 lbs of weight
• Repetitive bending, stretching, and stooping
• Have mobility required to ensure the safety of the children
• Have mobility required to participate in walking field trips of up to 3 miles round trip
• Have mobility to use public and private (bus) transportation
• Work with children on the floor
• Work outdoors in any variety of weather
• Able to have visual or hearing capabilities consistent with Child Care Licensing safety requirements
• Excels at communication with students, staff and parents in all verbal and written communication