Lead Teacher

First Learning•City of Rochester, NY

About The Position

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the general supervision of children and classroom staff and the management of one classroom. The role provides a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and educational environment where children can develop at their own pace socially, physically, emotionally, and cognitively. The Lead Teacher works as a team with the Head Teacher in an adjoining or designated classroom, jointly develops lesson plans and classroom activities, and manages the classroom in cooperation with the Head Teacher. The role supervises Assistant Teachers and reports to the Director, Assistant Director, or another designated Administrator. Requirements vary by classroom age group. Preschool Head Teacher qualifications include an associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a related field; or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or nine college credits in a related field plus two years of experience caring for children. Infant/Toddler Head Teacher qualifications additionally include one year of specific infant or toddler training and/or experience, or an Infant/Toddler Child Care Credential. School-Age Head Teacher qualifications include an associate’s degree in Child Development, recreation, or a related field; or a high school diploma and two years of experience working with children under 13. All candidates must demonstrate commitment to professional growth through education, work experience, and involvement with the early childhood community.

Requirements

Be able to observe, see, hear, and respond to children's needs, emergencies, and conflicts in the classroom, on the playground, in other Center areas, or on field trips.
Be able to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist-high table 25–30 times daily.
Be able to reach a child 20–30 feet away within 30 seconds.
Be able to crouch to a child's height, maintain eye contact at the child's level, and sit on the floor for extended periods regularly.
Provide a physician's statement confirming good health and proof of being free of tuberculosis.
Obtain New York State Registry clearance.
Obtain Criminal History Fingerprint clearance.
Have knowledge of New York State child care regulations.
Know and be able to implement developmentally appropriate practices and age-appropriate activities corresponding with NAEYC guidelines.
Have effective and tactful oral and written communication skills.
Have effective supervisory skills and role-modeling practices.
Be able to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parents.
Be able to use constructive methods for maintaining group control and managing individual behaviors.
Use sound judgment and tact.
Be able to work as a team leader.
Be able to organize and problem-solve effectively.
Demonstrate flexibility, especially in scheduling and practice to respond to program needs.
Demonstrate creativity and patience.
For Preschool Head Teacher: have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a related field; or a CDA or nine college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a related field and two years of experience related to caring for children.
For Infant/Toddler Head Teacher: meet the applicable qualifications above and have one year of specific infant or toddler training and/or experience, or an Infant/Toddler Child Care Credential.
For School-Age Head Teacher: have an associate’s degree in Child Development, recreation, or a related field; or a high school diploma and two years of experience working with children under 13 years of age.
Demonstrate commitment to and interest in professional growth through education, work experience, and involvement with the early childhood community.

Responsibilities

Adhere to First Learning Child Care policies and procedures and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) child care licensing regulations.
Ensure the care, safety, and well-being of all children in the classroom, including attending to personal needs such as diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, dressing, comforting, and preparing for rest.
Plan and implement an age-appropriate, open-ended program consistent with the philosophy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Prepare an inviting, clean, and organized classroom with learning centers and hands-on activities consistent with NAEYC philosophy.
Delegate program responsibilities to an appropriate person during absences.
Interact frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive, and encouraging manner consistent with NAEYC guidelines.
Orient and actively supervise children in both small and large groups.
Develop relationships with parents and communicate with them regularly, including classroom orientation, daily child activity reports, and at least biannual progress reports.
Maintain classroom records and required written documentation.
Maintain knowledge of classroom children's allergies, advise all staff, and act accordingly.
Maintain a positive work climate, meet deadlines, and organize classroom procedures.
Communicate effectively and directly with other staff.
Provide timely reports to supervisors outlining needs, problems, and suggestions for improvement.
Supervise, train, coach, and develop staff assigned to the classroom.
Measure the progress of children and staff and create systems to improve, modify, or remediate.
Assist the supervisor and provide staff support to other classrooms and employees as necessary.
Supervise and maintain general housekeeping and repair of assigned areas and common space.
Perform administrative duties necessary for classroom and Center operations.
Maintain a current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY.
Complete 15 hours of early childhood training within the first six months and each year thereafter.