Lead Teacher

First Learning•Buffalo, 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 provides competent supervision and daily care for children and maintains regular communication with families, co-workers, and supervisors to exchange information about children’s care and development. The Lead Teacher fosters warm, supportive interactions with children, promotes self-esteem and self-help skills, follows developmentally appropriate practices, and accommodates family instructions for daily care routines when able. The role maintains confidentiality, conducts bi-annual parent-teacher conferences, and is available to meet with families as needed. It also supports classroom teamwork, provides leadership to assistant teachers and other co-workers, participates in staff meetings and yearly program evaluation, and contributes information to prospective families during classroom tours. The position requires ongoing professional development, including 30 hours of training annually, and keeping current with First Learning policies, OCFS regulations, National Accreditation guidelines, and other applicable requirements. The Lead Teacher documents children’s development and records 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.
Additional ongoing professional and educational development is required, including 30 hours of training annually.
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.
Must be physically and mentally able 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 the ability to communicate effectively with parents, children, staff, and supervisors.
Flexibility to varied assignments, a positive attitude, and the 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 and self-help skills, and show warmth and affection.
Promote the daily exchange 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 bi-annual parent-teacher conferences and be available to conference with families at other times 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 the yearly program evaluation.
Offer leadership to assistant teachers and other co-workers throughout the center.
Participate in workshops and trainings, meeting the annual requirement of 30 training hours.
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.
Write correspondence and maintain records concerning child development, accidents, illnesses, medication administration, and other pertinent information.