Lead Teacher

First Learning•Town of Farmington, 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 regularly communicating with families about children’s development and coordinating with supervisors and co-workers to support efficient service delivery. The Lead Teacher provides daily care and supervision, promotes children’s self-esteem and self-help skills, and uses appropriate language and a warm, affectionate approach. The position supports daily information exchange with families, accommodates family instructions for daily care routines when possible, follows developmentally appropriate practices, and conducts biannual parent-teacher conferences. The teacher maintains confidentiality and may provide classroom-specific information to prospective families on tours. The role contributes to a cooperative staff team, attends staff meetings, participates in annual program evaluation, and provides leadership to assistant teachers and other co-workers. The Lead Teacher completes required training and ongoing professional development, stays current on organizational policies and applicable regulations, and communicates with families, co-workers, and supervisors in person and in writing regarding care, development, accidents, illnesses, medication administration, and other relevant information.

Requirements

At least 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 development.
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.
Ability to provide routine daily care of children and supervise children by sight and sound.
Ability to react quickly when safety concerns arise in an emergency.
Strong leadership skills and effective communication with parents, children, staff, and supervisors.
Flexibility to take on varied assignments, a positive attitude, and ability to work as part of a team toward Generations’ mission and goals.
Ongoing professional and educational development is required.

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 and self-help skills; and show warmth and affection toward children.
Promote daily exchanges of information with families about children’s activities and progress.
Accommodate family instructions for daily care routines when able and follow developmentally appropriate practices.
Hold biannual parent-teacher conferences and be available for additional conferences as needed.
Maintain confidentiality when discussing matters relating to children.
Communicate classroom-specific information to prospective families during tours.
Develop and maintain a cooperative team approach.
Participate in regular staff meetings and yearly program evaluation.
Provide leadership to assistant teachers and other co-workers.
Participate in workshops, training, and additional professional development, including the annual 30-hour training requirement.
Stay current with First Learning policies, OCFS regulations, National Accreditation guidelines, CACFP requirements, Health Department requirements, and other pertinent regulations.
Communicate in person daily with families, co-workers, and supervisors about the care and development of children.
Write correspondence and records concerning child development, accidents, illnesses, medication administration, and other pertinent information.