Early Childhood Lead Teacher Toddler Room - Petes Place

SPH Careers 2023 • Helena, MT

104d

About The Position

The Lead Teacher (ECLT) is responsible for the supervision of toddlers aged 19 months to 3 years old under general supervision and according to specific procedures. This role involves planning and executing classroom activities, maintaining a safe, healthy, and stimulating classroom environment, and providing constant supervision of children at all times, including during planning time, outside play, meal time, and nap time. The Lead Teacher assists in monitoring and training the Assistant Teacher (ECAT), trainees, and supportive staff, while maintaining sensitivity to children’s individuality and responding to their needs appropriately and quickly. The Lead Teacher guides the behavior of children in positive, effective ways and maintains the highest level of professionalism at all times. Responsibilities also include encouraging experimentation, exploration, problem-solving, and socialization to promote further learning and thinking. The Lead Teacher prepares the classroom environment and materials to support developmentally appropriate curriculum plans and learning experiences, assesses individual and group needs, and coordinates with ECAT to develop a collaborative approach that benefits all children in the classroom. Additionally, the Lead Teacher monitors and reports child abuse, attends and participates in trainings and professional development activities, and shares cleaning and sanitizing responsibilities with ECAT. Ongoing self-assessment about job performance is also required, along with adherence to State Licensing Regulations, Health Department, and Fire Marshal Standards.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of childhood growth and development principles.
• Minimum 2 years experience in a licensed child care facility.
• Ability to apply Early Childhood Development theory in daily activities.
• Significant decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and community resources.
• Ability to maintain respectful communication with staff, families, and children.
• Ability to supervise children and ensure a safe environment.
• Ability to respond to events happening in the classroom and outdoor play areas.

Nice To Haves

• Child Development Associate Certificate or College Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute classroom activities for toddlers aged 19 months to 3 years.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Provide constant supervision of children during all activities.
• Assist in monitoring and training Assistant Teacher (ECAT) and other staff.
• Respond to children's individual needs and guide their behavior positively.
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, and socialization among children.
• Prepare classroom materials to support developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Assess individual and group needs of children.
• Coordinate with ECAT for collaborative approaches in the classroom.
• Monitor and report any instances of child abuse.
• Participate in trainings and professional development activities.
• Engage in shared cleaning and sanitizing responsibilities.
• Follow State Licensing Regulations and Health Department standards.

Benefits

• American Heart Association; Heart Saver CPR and First Aid certification required within the first 30 days of employment.
• Current on the Montana Early Childhood Project: Practitioner Registry within 15 days of hire.
• Infant Safety Essentials within 30 days and Health and Safety Required Professional Development within 90 days of hire.
• Complete mandatory 16-hour annual training and keep current all required immunizations.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree