Child Care Center Lead Teacher

Wayne Community College•Wayne Community College, NC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher plans, implements, and evaluates developmentally appropriate learning activities while maintaining a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment for children in the assigned classroom. The position supports children’s individual developmental needs through instruction, supervision, assessments, and family communication while complying with North Carolina child care licensing requirements. The Lead Teacher also models effective early childhood teaching practices for Wayne Community College students participating in approved observations and supervised learning experiences. The position requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, reaching, and sitting on the floor for extended periods while interacting with and supervising children. The employee must be able to lift and carry children, equipment, and classroom materials weighing up to 45 pounds and respond quickly to emergencies. Visual and hearing abilities must be sufficient to supervise children, recognize hazards or signs of distress, and respond to communication, cries, and alarms. Duties include routine classroom cleaning and sanitation. Work occurs in indoor classrooms and outdoor playground environments and may involve exposure to childhood illnesses, bodily fluids, cleaning products, and varying weather conditions. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employment is conditional on completing required DCDEE criminal background check procedures and maintaining qualifying background check status; meeting applicable health screening, medical documentation, tuberculosis screening, and immunization requirements; and complying with College policies, Center procedures, and childcare licensing requirements. Current First Aid and CPR certification is required, or the ability to obtain it within the timeframe required by applicable regulations and Center policies. ITS-SIDS training must be completed and maintained when applicable to assigned age groups. Unofficial transcripts from all degree-granting institutions must be electronically attached to the application or submitted to Human Resources before interview consideration. Degrees must be from regionally accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Official transcripts are required within 30 days of hire. For foreign degrees, an evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member must be attached in lieu of transcripts; the applicant is responsible for evaluation costs. Applications and supporting materials, including certifications, post-secondary transcripts, résumé, and cover letter, must be submitted online; paper applications are not accepted. Applicants will be screened, the most qualified interviewed, and all applicants notified once the position is filled. Wayne Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community Colleges System, serves Wayne and adjoining counties, is an equal opportunity employer, and has been a tobacco-free campus since August 1, 2009.

Requirements

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
North Carolina Early Childhood Credential issued by the Division of Child Development and Early Education.
Minimum of two years of experience working with children in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting.
Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate instructional practices, positive behavior guidance, and North Carolina childcare licensing requirements.
Ability to plan age-appropriate learning activities, conduct developmental observations, and maintain accurate classroom documentation.
Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to work professionally with children, families, colleagues, and supervisors.
Ability to work independently within established classroom procedures and collaboratively with Center personnel.
Successful completion of required DCDEE criminal background check procedures and maintenance of qualifying background check status.
Compliance with applicable health screening, medical documentation, tuberculosis screening, and immunization requirements.
Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification within the timeframe required by applicable regulations and Center policies.
Completion and maintenance of ITS-SIDS training when applicable to assigned age groups.
Compliance with College policies, Center procedures, and applicable childcare licensing requirements.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Unofficial transcripts from all degree-granting institutions must be submitted before interview consideration; degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Official transcripts for all coursework and degrees are required within 30 days of hire.
Applicants with foreign degrees must provide a foreign degree evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member; foreign transcripts alone are not accepted.
Submit an employment application and supporting materials, including copies of certifications, post-secondary transcripts, résumé, and cover letter. Paper applications are not accepted.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.
Experience serving as a Lead Teacher in a licensed childcare facility.
Experience conducting developmental observations and assessments.
Experience supporting college students in early childhood education observations or field experiences.
Familiarity with the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement daily and weekly learning activities aligned with the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development.
Maintain a classroom environment that supports children’s physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development.
Observe, assess, and document children’s developmental progress and use findings to guide instruction and individualized learning activities.
Implement positive behavior guidance and classroom routines that encourage independence, cooperation, and self-regulation.
Maintain appropriate supervision and accountability of assigned children during classroom activities, transitions, outdoor play, arrival, and departure.
Follow licensing requirements and Center procedures for staff-to-child ratios, sanitation, feeding, diapering, toileting, rest periods, and authorized child release.
Maintain accurate, timely, and secure classroom records, including attendance, lesson plans, developmental assessments, and incident reports.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe classroom materials, equipment, and learning areas.
Communicate regularly with families regarding children’s experiences, developmental progress, and individual needs.
Collaborate with the Director, families, and appropriate professionals to support children with developmental delays, disabilities, behavioral concerns, or individualized needs.
Follow emergency procedures, individual health care plans, and established procedures for reporting injuries, safety concerns, and suspected child abuse or neglect.
Model appropriate teaching practices and professional conduct for WCC students participating in approved classroom learning experiences.
Maintain confidentiality and professional working relationships with families, colleagues, and College personnel.
Participate in required professional development, staff meetings, and training.
Perform other related duties consistent with the responsibilities and classification of the position.