"Infant/Toddler" Lead Teacher

Driscoll Children's Hospital•Corpus Christi, TX

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the director, the Lead Teacher interacts with children, stimulates their interests, and supports their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The role designs and implements an environment with developmentally appropriate curriculum following NAEYC and High/Scope guidelines. The Lead Teacher maintains a safe and healthy environment and positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers. The position also supports classroom staff, contributes to program operations and family engagement, and maintains required documentation. Duties may include other reasonably related business responsibilities assigned by the immediate supervisor or hospital administration.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Must meet federal and Texas state requirements and maintain credentials for the position.
Excellent communication skills.
Experience with computers, including Microsoft Word and the internet.
An associate degree in Early Childhood Education and one year of related experience; student teaching practicum counts as one year of experience, or an equivalent combination.
Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.
Must obtain and maintain Food Handlers Certification.

Nice To Haves

An associate degree in Early Childhood Education and two years of experience, including experience with the NAEYC accreditation process.

Responsibilities

Maintain confidentiality, follow hospital policies, and act ethically in accordance with corporate compliance and integrity guidelines.
Complete documentation and maintain appropriate records.
Use positive guidance techniques and developmentally appropriate interactions to support children’s behavior and learning.
Model developmentally appropriate social behavior and expectations.
Prepare and rotate materials to implement lesson plans.
Implement curriculum that meets NAEYC and High/Scope guidelines.
Document children’s development and score and evaluate assessments.
Write and implement daily activity plans addressing all areas of development, and plan balanced daily schedules.
Maintain a substitute file to support program consistency.
Guide classroom volunteers and support and train student interns.
Welcome families and visitors professionally and respond to family comments and concerns with sensitivity and respect.
Establish and maintain a primary caregiving system with children and their families.
Communicate with families daily, verbally and in writing, about children’s development and activities, and share resources.
Plan and facilitate family conferences about orientation, transitions, and developmental goals based on assessments.
Help plan and attend center and classroom events and meetings.
Share resources with families through discussions, articles, family boards, newsletters, and community contacts.
Serve as curriculum leader for the classroom.
Supervise children at all times, maintain awareness of the entire group, and maintain required child-to-staff ratios.
Ensure compliance with licensing, NAEYC, and High/Scope guidelines.
Encourage appropriate health, safety, and nutrition practices.
Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive, and encourage respect for classroom materials.
Ensure appropriate diapering and toileting procedures and report suspected child abuse or neglect appropriately.
Support the Children’s Learning Center mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies.
Maintain reliable attendance, arrive on time, arrange leave in advance, follow staffing schedules, and work in another classroom when program needs require.
Attend faculty meetings, training sessions, and center events.
Support Children’s Learning Center and Driscoll Children’s Hospital needs through training, newsletters, committees, or hospital activities.
Pursue professional growth through courses, feedback, professional literature, conferences, or other methods required by the director.
Receive constructive criticism with willingness to improve and give feedback constructively.
Maintain cooperative and respectful relationships with coworkers.
Take on additional center responsibilities as needed, such as kitchen duties, pet care, or children’s files.
Participate in team teaching through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning.
Serve on center committees as needed.
Ensure classroom staff implement activities and use appropriate guidance.
Contribute to monthly or weekly newsletters as requested.
Provide classroom tours to prospective families.
Attend additional conferences and trainings beyond the required 30 annual hours, plan staff training sessions based on information received, and present training materials or sessions as requested.
Open and close the center as needed.