Lead Teacher

BRIGHTON CENTER•San Antonio, TX

66d•$16 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality education and care for the well-being and developmental growth of children in Toddlers and Transition classrooms. This role involves positive interactions with staff and families to ensure program goals are met. The Lead Teacher must maintain compliance with reporting agencies such as DFPS Minimum Standards, CCS/TRS Rising Star requirements, CACFP, SA Metro Health regulations, and NAEYC criteria. Key duties include implementing daily lessons and schedules, and maintaining a classroom climate that promotes learning, creativity, and the growth of individual children and the group.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older.
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Meet all mental and physical demands with or without reasonable accommodations.
Bachelor's in education or related field of study with two (2) or more years of experience working in a licensed and/or accredited childcare center, special and/or early childhood education, or other experience working with children 0-5 years of age.
OR Associates of Applied Science in Child Development with six (6) years of experience working in a licensed and/or accredited childcare center, special and/or early childhood education, or other experience working with children 0-5 years of age.
OR ten (10) years or more of experience working in a licensed and/or accredited childcare center, special and/or early childhood education, or other experience working with children 0-5 years of age.
Ability to demonstrate, understand, and apply Core Values.
High quality of work.
Organization and planning skills.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Self-improvement and initiative.
Adaptability and flexibility.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work well with others and independently.
Professionalism.
Ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices.
Ability to effectively interact and relate to children in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Sensitivity to individual children's differences and needs.
Willingness to adjust program and curriculum to meet individual needs.
Ability to use positive methods and supportive interactions that align with positive guidance.
Motivation to learn and grow in an educational environment.
Willingness to continually increase knowledge in Early Childhood Education.
Ability to relate with and speak to parents respectfully and courteously.
Willingness to work in a team environment, share ideas, and be open to others' ideas.
Flexibility and willingness to compromise.
Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with families, staff, and community.
Ability to work with others in a supportive, professional, and cooperative manner.
Demonstrates professional, ethical, and responsible behavior.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access) and Adobe products.
Ability to learn, interpret, and apply rules and regulations.
Ability to maintain emotional control under stress and empathize with families.
Ability to ensure personal accountability, and compute and compile reports.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize under pressure.
Ability to be flexible when there is unforeseen change or when the need for change presents.
Ability to meet the physical demands of working with young children, such as twisting, lifting, moving, and sitting on the floor.
Ability to stand for long periods of time and work outdoors.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
Ability to climb up and down stairs.

Nice To Haves

Interpersonal Skills
Comfort Around Authority
Customer Focus
Compassion
Intellectual Acumen & Adaptability (Learning on the Fly)
Integrity and Trust
Personal Learning and Development / Technical Learning
Creativity

Responsibilities

Direct, active, and adaptive supervision of children to ensure safety.
Management of the classroom environment and curriculum, including planning, preparing, and implementing monthly and weekly developmentally appropriate lesson plans based on individual child developmental goals.
Creating and providing a warm, safe, and caring environment.
Maintaining an orderly, clean, and appealing classroom that allows children to grow and explore.
Planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities (indoor/outdoor) related to the curriculum.
Interacting with children and encouraging their involvement in scheduled routines and daily activities.
Maintaining ongoing developmental records for each child by tracking and documenting developing skills using the Teaching Strategies Gold assessment tool.
Maintaining portfolios for each child's progress, including photographs, artwork samples, writing, and benchmarks.
Inputting bi-annual data from all assessments to track progress of program goals.
Ensuring the health, welfare, and safety of children at all times.
Working with and coordinating with the Behavior & Inclusion Specialist, Pediatric Therapy Clinic Manager, and SESS Manager to maximize child development and education.
Positive face-to-face interactions with children, parents, and staff.
Maintaining excellent customer service and positive, professional communication with parents daily via ProCare system and/or verbally.
Working with other staff members to form a positive, supportive team atmosphere.
Ensuring confidentiality of privileged information.
Overseeing, training, and mentoring support teachers (and volunteers) to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies and Brighton Center policies.
Collaborating proactively with other Lead Teachers, support teachers, and supervisors for effective communication, planning, organization, understanding, and compliance.
Taking direction and feedback from ECE management and co-teachers.
Ensuring interactions with children and parents align with program standards.
Maintaining all required reporting agency documents and reports (e.g., child daily reports, attendance reports, meal counts, cleaning checklists).
Completing proper documentation of Teaching Strategies Gold assessments and progress reports (November & May).
Preparing and conducting Parent/Teacher Conferences twice annually (November & May).
Holding or initiating parent conferences/meetings as needed.
Complying with and understanding program guidelines and general requirements.
Attending workshops, conferences, and in-service training to maintain required hours.
Completing an annual Individual Professional Development Plan, selecting training that supports the assigned age group.
Attending all scheduled staff meetings, supervisory meetings, team planning meetings, and curriculum meetings.
Performing all other duties as assigned, including maintaining overall quality, following precautions, procedures, and meeting deadlines.