Lead Teacher

Summary

Summerhill Day Care and Learning Center is a leader in the Early Childhood Education Industry, and we are seeking a dedicated, qualified, experienced Lead Teacher. This position prefers applicants to have an Early Childhood Education degree or a degree in Social work, Psychology, or Nursing within the education field and at least 2 years of experience. In this extremely rewarding position, The 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 the program. The Lead Teacher is also responsible for assuring compliance with the codes of all State and local governing contracting agencies; and works collegially with other staff members of Summerhill Day Care and Learning Center.

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, weekly plans, and implement age-appropriate curriculum (lesson plan) to nurture and stimulate all domains of children’s development in their care.
• Provides a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects the children’s learning and growth.
• Perform ongoing developmental evaluations of children as required by funding sources develop lesson plans and follow curriculum implementation that addresses the individual needs of each child for preparation for kindergarten.
• On an ongoing basis, plan, evaluate, and improve the physical environment in the classroom to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing child.
• Provide responsive care to all children by adapting daily caregiving routines and plans to the interests and needs of the individual child and the group.
• Prepare developmental progress reports.
• Exchange information and serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary intervention/prevention team.
• Completes child transition and orientation of the classroom for the parents.
• Maintain ongoing, open communication with parents/ caregivers.
• Provide a classroom environment that encourages parent participation.
• Ensure that each family receives an opportunity to build strong relationships and experience clear communication with teaching staff.
• Liaison with children's families to ensure a smooth transition from home to child care setting and transitions from classroom to classroom when needed.
• Assist families with children's transitions from toddler to preschool and from preschool to kindergarten.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely client and agency records; complete attendance records.
• Maintains up-to-date emergency forms, curriculum plans, individual child development profiles, and other records as needed.
• Completes and reports any symptoms of child abuse to supervisor and/or child abuse hotline.
• Completes daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of the children.
• Assures a healthy, safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment for children.
• Assist with functioning and monitoring of nutrition and food service.
• Assist with the supervision of staff and volunteers in childcare settings.
• Ensures that the Teacher Aide is kept updated in all matters concerning the classroom and program, i.e. lesson plans, policies & procedures, and training received.
• Completes yearly performance evaluations.
• Reports all staffing and classroom concerns to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Participate in ongoing in-service and educational development opportunities provided by the Agency.
• Participate in ongoing development and evaluation of the center’s goals and objectives.
• In accordance with our "team" philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed in this job description
• Staff must believe in and act in accordance with both the Agency's and the program's mission statements.

Requirements

Required Degree/Certification/ License:

• CPR/First Aid Certified required.
• Submit to a CPS background check.
• Submit to a Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation background check.
• Pass a random drug screening test.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Early Child Development knowledge and experience.
• Knowledge of State Subsidized Program Requirements for Center Programs.
• Good communication, problem-solving, and priority-setting skills as well as maintaining an overall positive and professional attitude /disposition.
• Ability to use the computer.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and implement educational activities.
• Ability to make decisions on behalf of children and protect their well-being.
• Must be able to manage confidential information.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency a 40-pound child.
• All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are served by our center. Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, and adolescents. The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions, as well as appropriate role modeling.

Nice To Haves

BA Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Nursing with 24 units in Child Development or Early Childhood Education including core courses in Child/Human Growth and Development or Early Childhood Education Certificate; Child, Family, and Community and Program/Curriculum preferred.