Lead Teacher

First Learning•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 activities to maximize skill development. The role includes providing daily care and competent supervision, communicating regularly with families and colleagues, and coordinating with supervisors to support effective service delivery. The Lead Teacher supports positive relationships with children and families, maintains confidentiality, shares information about children’s activities and progress, and holds bi-annual parent-teacher conferences. The position also provides leadership to assistant teachers and coworkers, contributes to a cooperative team, attends staff meetings, and participates in an annual program evaluation. The role requires ongoing professional development, including 30 hours of training annually, and staying current with Generations policies, OCFS regulations, National Accreditation guidelines, and other applicable requirements. Communication duties include daily in-person exchanges and written records related to children’s development, accidents, illnesses, medication administration, and other pertinent information.

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 developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood.
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 routine daily care of children, supervise children by sight and sound, and react quickly to safety concerns in emergencies.
Strong leadership skills and effective communication with parents, children, staff, and supervisors.
Flexibility with varied assignments, a positive attitude, and 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 children’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 their self-esteem and self-help skills, and show warmth and affection.
Exchange 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 as needed.
Maintain confidentiality when discussing children.
Communicate with prospective families during tours and provide information specific to the classroom.
Develop and maintain a cooperative team approach; provide leadership to assistant teachers and other coworkers.
Participate in regular staff meetings and the yearly program evaluation.
Attend workshops and trainings, meeting the annual requirement of 30 training hours, and pursue additional professional development as appropriate.
Stay current with Generations policies, OCFS regulations, National Accreditation guidelines, CACFP, Health Department requirements, and other pertinent regulations.
Communicate daily in person with families, coworkers, and supervisors about the care and development of children.
Write records and correspondence to monitor development and document accidents, illnesses, medication administration, and other pertinent information.