CPR Certification, Child Development, Communication Skills, Defibrillator, Early Childhood Education, Faculty Administration, First Aid, Furniture, Licensing, Operations, Organizational Skills, Physical Demands, Problem Solving Skills, Regulatory Reports, Team Player, Training/Teaching
JOB SUMMARY
The Lead Teacher provides high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school age. This role contributes to the daily operations of the classroom, promotes child development across all domains, and helps maintain a nurturing, safe, and organized learning environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Implement developmentally appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in young children.
- Support daily care routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and rest time.
- Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment in alignment with program standards.
- Observe and document developmental milestones.
- Provide respectful, responsive, and nurturing care to infants, toddlers and school age.
- Actively participate in classroom supervision, transitions, and engagement on the playground and in shared activity spaces.
- Collaborates with Teacher's Assistants, co-teachers, and administrative staff to ensure clear communication, consistency, and effective teamwork.
- Interact with families in a professional, supportive manner that encourages positive family engagement.
- Attend all required training courses, staff meetings, and professional development sessions.
- Comply with all OCFS licensing regulations and promptly report concerns or suspected violations to the appropriate staff.
OTHER DUTIES
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field and/or Child Development Associate credential required.
- One year of experience working with children less than 13 years of age required.
- Current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, reliability, and a strong commitment to early childhood education.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to lift and carry children weighing 10-15 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally
- Ability to kneel, bend, squat, stand, and sit on the floor or child-sized furniture for extended periods
- Ambulatory ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors, including playgrounds and uneven terrain
- Ability to actively engage with children during play and movement activities
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Infant, toddler, preschool, and school age classroom settings
- Outdoor learning areas, playgrounds, and walking trails
- Gymnasium and pool facilities where applicable
- Exposure to varying weather during outdoor activities
Equal Employee Opportunity
The JCC of Greater Rochester is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive culture in which staff, members, and community partners can thrive.
EOE Disability/Veteran