Lead Teacher - Pre-K - Model Center

Sheltering Arms•Atlanta, GA

19d

About The Position

The Lead Teacher is responsible for ensuring the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team and assists with planning and implementing the curriculum. The role supports children's safety, health, learning, physical and cognitive development, social and emotional growth, and relationships with families. The Lead Teacher collaborates with center staff, communicates with families, maintains professional standards, and follows applicable early childhood education and licensing requirements. Other related duties may be assigned by leadership.

Requirements

Proficient knowledge of child development and early education theories and practices.
Strong understanding of GELDS and Georgia Pre-K program requirements.
Knowledge of safe and appropriate activities for children and policies and procedures for supervising children safely.
Understanding of the early education and family center cultural environment.
Team-building, supervisory, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Effective verbal communication and listening skills, stress management, time management, and teaching skills.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to demonstrate respect, cultural awareness and sensitivity, flexibility, sound work ethics, consistency, fairness, compassion, and understanding.
Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and learn and apply new skills.
Ability to lift and carry children and equipment weighing 30 pounds unassisted and 50 pounds with assistance.
Ability to sit on the floor and stand up independently, clean and maintain equipment and the center, and perform activities including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Ability to learn and use technology and pass a hearing test.
Ability to visually observe children throughout the classroom and playground from at least 20 feet.
Ability to work in a busy, occasionally noisy environment and respond to accidents and emergencies.
Background check, fingerprinting, and drug test required before the hire date.

Nice To Haves

BA or BS in Early Childhood or a closely related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain an orderly, safe, and healthy learning environment, including performing daily health checks and classroom and playground safety checks.
Follow hand-washing, sanitizing, active supervision, and other health and safety procedures.
Share routine classroom duties, including playground supervision, toileting, cleanup, and classroom maintenance.
Plan and implement an integrated, developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances child- and teacher-initiated activities, active and quiet learning, and indoor and outdoor experiences.
Maintain weekly lesson plans, prepare materials in advance, and use ongoing assessments to plan activities for children's developmental levels.
Plan activities that support physical development, number concepts, language and literacy, positive self-esteem, social skills, creativity, and cultural awareness.
Support children's independence, problem-solving, emotional expression, and social development through positive guidance and consistent routines.
Work with children with special needs and their families.
Build positive relationships with families through daily communication, progress information, conferences, newsletters, Procare, and home or personal visits.
Encourage family participation and engagement in the program.
Attend staff and parent leadership meetings, conferences, and in-service training; apply and share knowledge gained.
Promote the agency's philosophy and educational objectives, maintain knowledge of early childhood education practices and relevant standards, and follow center policies.
Coordinate with the Curriculum Specialist or Center Director regarding classroom materials and children's developmental assessments.
Work collaboratively with center staff, maintain effective relationships, help resolve conflicts, and adapt to center changes.
Maintain confidentiality, attendance, punctuality, timekeeping, and other professional expectations.