Lead Infant Teacher

Apex Virtual Solutions•Buford, GA

About The Position

The Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher is the primary educator in an assigned classroom serving children ages 6 months to 3 years. The role creates and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences that foster children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Instruction is aligned with Creative Curriculum and Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS), and may incorporate STEAM, Montessori-inspired principles, play-based learning, and English/Spanish learning opportunities when applicable. The Lead Teacher manages classroom routines and safety, maintains staff-to-child ratios and licensing compliance, documents children's development and daily activities, and communicates regularly with families. The position also supervises and mentors Assistant Teachers, collaborates with center leadership and other staff, and participates in professional development and center events. The role requires adherence to Georgia Bright from the Start (BFTS) and DECAL requirements, CACFP meal guidelines, and organizational standards for professionalism, ethics, confidentiality, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 2 years of experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting.
Knowledge of child development principles and age-appropriate practices.
Meet Georgia Bright from the Start staff qualification requirements.
Pass a comprehensive background check and fingerprinting.
Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
Technology proficiency, including smartphones, tablets, and childcare management apps such as Playground.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for family interactions and documentation.
Ability to write lesson plans, developmental reports, and incident documentation.
Ability to supervise and mentor Assistant Teachers and lead classroom responsibilities.
Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance.
Commitment to professional ethics and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

CDA (Child Development Associate) credential or higher education in Early Childhood Education.
Experience with Creative Curriculum, GELDS, or similar early learning frameworks.
Previous lead teacher or supervisory experience in a licensed childcare center.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Design and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with Creative Curriculum and GELDS.
Create engaging learning experiences that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, incorporating STEAM, Montessori-inspired principles, and play-based learning.
Differentiate instruction to meet children's individual learning needs and developmental levels; maintain organized learning centers and age-appropriate materials.
Integrate English/Spanish bilingual learning opportunities when applicable.
Supervise children at all times and maintain BFTS-required staff-to-child ratios.
Use positive behavior guidance and establish clear classroom expectations.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom; conduct daily health checks and document injuries, incidents, and behaviors.
Follow emergency procedures, participate in monthly safety drills, and report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by Georgia law.
Communicate daily with families through the Playground app, including photos, updates, meal logs, and attendance information.
Conduct parent-teacher conferences, respond to family questions and concerns, and share developmental milestones, learning activities, and classroom updates.
Build collaborative relationships with families to support children's learning at home.
Conduct ongoing developmental observations and assessments, maintain child portfolios, and track attendance, meals, and daily activities.
Identify children who may need additional support and collaborate with center leadership and families.
Complete DECAL documentation and maintain accurate records in compliance with record-keeping standards.
Supervise and mentor Assistant Teachers, provide constructive feedback, delegate classroom responsibilities, and ensure assistants are actively engaged in teaching.
Attend staff meetings, professional development, training, and center events.
Collaborate with the Center Director and Assistant Director on classroom operations and improvements.
Model professionalism, punctuality, and positive interactions with children, families, and staff.
Maintain classroom compliance with BFTS and DECAL licensing regulations and current CPR/First Aid certification.
Follow CACFP meal-service and documentation guidelines, complete timesheets accurately and on time, and participate in internal inspections and promptly address deficiencies.
Complete mandatory annual training and maintain knowledge of early childhood best practices and Georgia regulations.
Uphold professional ethics and confidentiality and support a culture of quality, family partnership, and continuous improvement.