Infant and Toddler Lead Teacher in Dayton, OH

Summary

The Early Head Start Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising a developmentally appropriate, child centered educational program for children ages 0-3 years in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and MVCDC policies. The Lead Teacher ensures a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This role includes leading classroom staff and working closely with families to support the child’s overall growth.

Duties

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences.
• Maintain child records, individualized goals, and lesson plans.
• Conduct developmental screenings and support DAEG and IFSP processes.
• Observe, assess, and document children’s development.
• Provide responsive caregiving and positive behavior support.
• Support daily routines, including feeding, diapering, and care activities.
• Supervise and support classroom staff and volunteers.
• Use positive guidance and behavior management strategies.
• Ensure smooth daily routines and transitions.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Collaborate with program staff to support child and family development.
• Maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Ensure active supervision and safe learning environments.
• Administer first aid and medication according to procedures.
• Attend required trainings and professional development activities.
• Maintain compliance with program policies and regulations.
• Participate in meetings, supervision, and quality improvement activities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma (required)
• Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (required)
• Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start program standards
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children aged 0-3 years
• Valid Driver’s License and/or access to transportation to other centers as needed
• Ability to meet and maintain compliance with ODJFS, USDA, Health, and Sanitation regulations

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (preferred)
• Previous experience working with infants and toddlers in a group setting (preferred)
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse families
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages) is a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to meet and maintain compliance with ODJFS, USDA, Health, and Sanitation regulations
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, with problem solving and good decision-making skills
• Collaborative, team-oriented with positive and dedicated work ethic to children and families
• Willingness to continue professional education and learning
• Demonstrated knowledge of child and family curriculum, Conscious Discipline principles, and Head Start practices

Benefits

Student Loan Forgiveness, PTO days, paid holidays, 401k, medical, dental and vision.

Miami Valley Child Development Centers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.