Lead Teacher

First Learning•City of Rochester, NY

11d

About The Position

The Lead Teacher plans and implements developmentally appropriate programming for the assigned classroom, monitors each child’s development, and plans activities to maximize skill development. The role includes regular communication with families about children’s development and coordination with supervisors and co-workers to support efficient service delivery. The Lead Teacher provides daily supervision and care, supports children’s self-esteem and self-help skills, and follows developmentally appropriate practices. The position maintains regular communication with families, holds biannual parent-teacher conferences, and protects the confidentiality of information concerning children. It also provides leadership to assistant teachers and co-workers, supports a cooperative team approach, participates in staff meetings and annual program evaluation, and completes required professional development and training.

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.
At least 1 year of program experience.
Thorough knowledge of early childhood developmentally appropriate practices and working knowledge of the regulatory environment.
Foundations in Health and Safety Certificate, or willingness to complete the training within the first week of hire.
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 children’s daily routine care, supervise children by sight and sound, and react quickly to safety concerns in an emergency.
Strong leadership and communication skills with parents, children, staff, and supervisors.
Flexibility to handle varied assignments, a positive attitude, and the ability to work as part of a team toward Generations’ mission and goals.
Ongoing professional and educational development, including 30 hours of training annually.

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 all children in the assigned classroom.
Use appropriate language and tone with children, promote their self-esteem and self-help skills, and show warmth and affection.
Promote the daily exchange of information with families about children’s activities and progress, and accommodate family instructions for daily care routines when able.
Hold biannual parent-teacher conferences and be available to meet with families at other times as needed.
Maintain confidentiality when discussing matters relating to any child.
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 assistant teachers 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 Generations 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.