Lead Teacher

First Learning•City of Rochester, NY

11d•$18 - $21

About The Position

The Lead Teacher plans and implements developmentally appropriate programming for the assigned classroom, monitors each child’s development, and plans programming to maximize skill development. The role includes regular communication with families, supervisors, and co-workers to exchange information about children’s care and development and to ensure efficient delivery of services. The Lead Teacher provides daily care and competent supervision of children, supports positive interactions and self-help skills, and shares information about children’s activities and progress with families. The position also leads a cooperative staff team, participates in staff meetings and yearly program evaluation, and pursues ongoing professional development. The Lead Teacher maintains written records related to child development, accidents, illnesses, medication administration, and other pertinent information, while maintaining confidentiality and following applicable policies and regulations.

Requirements

A minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education, with a plan to continue further education.
Additional ongoing professional and educational development is required.
Foundations in Health and Safety Certificate, or willingness to complete the training within the first week of hire.
At least 1 year of program experience.
Thorough knowledge of early childhood developmentally appropriate practices.
Working knowledge of the regulatory environment.
Current CPR, First Aid, and Medical Administration Training (MAT) certifications, or willingness to complete them within the first year of employment.
Physical and mental ability to provide daily routine care of children; supervise children by sight and sound; and react quickly to safety concerns in an emergency.
Strong leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively with parents, children, staff, and supervisor.
Flexibility to handle varied assignments, a positive attitude, and ability to work as part of a team toward the mission and goals of Generations.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement developmentally appropriate programming for the assigned classroom.
Monitor each child’s development and plan programming to maximize skill development.
Provide competent supervision and daily care to children in the assigned classroom.
Use appropriate language and tone with children; promote self-esteem, self-help skills, warmth, and affection.
Promote daily exchanges of information with families about children’s activities and progress, and accommodate family instructions for daily care routines when able.
Hold bi-annual parent-teacher conferences and be available for additional conferences with families as needed.
Maintain confidentiality when discussing issues relating to children.
Communicate with prospective families during tours and provide information specific to the classroom.
Develop and maintain a cooperative team approach; participate in regular staff meetings and yearly program evaluation.
Offer leadership to the assistant teacher and other co-workers throughout the center.
Participate in workshops and trainings, including the annual requirement of 30 training hours, and pursue additional professional development as appropriate.
Stay current with First Learning policies, OCFS regulations, National Accreditation guidelines, and other pertinent regulations, including CACFP and Health Department requirements.
Communicate daily in person with families, co-workers, and supervisors about the care and development of children.
Prepare written correspondence and records to monitor development and document accidents, illnesses, medication administration, and other pertinent information.