Child Care Center- Lead Teacher-Two Year old Classroom

Shenandoah University • Winchester, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Shenandoah University’s Child Care Center is hiring a full-time Lead Teacher for its 2-year-old classroom in Winchester, Virginia. The Center offers a warm, friendly atmosphere and views children’s development as supported by a variety of experiences and stimuli. Its philosophy emphasizes helping every child develop a positive self-concept and feel loved, secure, and safe.

The Lead Teacher maintains an organized, positive, safe, fun, and educational classroom; provides developmentally appropriate care and learning experiences; and oversees daily classroom operations. The role includes developing curriculum and lesson plans, supporting children’s development, communicating with families, and guiding assistant teachers and substitutes. Teachers are eligible for university benefits, including tuition reimbursement for themselves, dependents, and spouses, as well as additional university holidays.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: a graduate degree in a child-related field and six months of programmatic experience; an endorsement or bachelor’s degree in a child-related field and one year of programmatic experience; an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field with at least 18 ECE credits and one year of programmatic experience; or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and one year of programmatic experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• High energy, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with staff, children, and parents and foster a team environment.
• Strong understanding of child development.
• Current Infant/Child/Adult CPR and First Aid certification.
• Complete Virginia online Preservice Training (13 hours).
• Complete TB screening no sooner than 30 days before the start date.
• Clear a full background check and fingerprinting and pass a urine drug screening.
• Receive 16 hours of in-service training annually and attend staff meetings.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds; physical dexterity; ability to reach arms above the head, kneel, bend, squat, and crawl.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and weekly lesson plans aligned with the Center’s curriculum and Virginia Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS).
• Plan individual and group experiences that support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, physical, and creative development.
• Use hands-on learning, meaningful play, and open-ended questions to encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Communicate professionally and frequently with families about children’s development, daily experiences, and classroom activities.
• Supervise and direct assistant teachers and substitutes to ensure routines, planned activities, hygiene, and safety procedures are followed.
• Maintain active supervision, required child-to-staff ratios, and a safe, clean, organized classroom environment.
• Provide developmentally appropriate positive guidance and support children’s growing independence and social skills.
• Assist with diapering, toilet learning, handwashing, meals, and other daily-care routines.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, lesson plans, attendance, and required documentation.
• Follow Shenandoah University, Child Care Center, and Virginia licensing policies and procedures.
• Participate in required professional development, staff meetings, and Center activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• University benefits, including tuition reimbursement for the employee, dependents, and spouse.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Additional university holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree