Full Time Lead Toddler Teacher

Sunshine Academy•Laurel, MT

8d•$16 - $18

About The Position

The Lead Teacher implements developmentally appropriate curriculum and positive classroom management; supervises assistant teachers and floaters; guides children positively; builds and maintains relationships with students, families, and employees; ensures compliance with licensing requirements; maintains cleanliness and records; and ensures children’s safety. The position includes classroom supervision and care, curriculum planning and implementation, staff support, parent communication, documentation, licensing and health compliance, and monitoring classroom and facility safety. The teacher uses the Frog Street curriculum, modifies it to meet student needs, and ensures Montana Early Learning Standards are met.

Requirements

Minimum Level 2 on The Practitioner Registry, or 2 or more years of early childhood experience in a licensed program and/or a CDA, or a bachelor’s or associate degree in Early Childhood Development, or preschool certification through an accredited program.
Current infant, child, and adult CPR/AED certification; infant choking-response certification; and standard and pediatric first aid. CPR certification must be completed in a hands-on setting.
Complete facility overview training.
Current status on the ECP Practitioner Registry.
Ability to lift 45 pounds.
Ability to maneuver easily up and down from the floor.
Sufficient language skills to communicate with children and adults.
Demonstrate good moral character.
Be physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of performing the essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Current MMR and tetanus immunizations.
Complete annual training hours required to remain current on the ECP Practitioner Registry and any training required by The Sunshine Academy Management.
Dependable, reliable, organized, trustworthy, punctual, prepared, energetic, and positive.
Practice ethical conduct as outlined in the NAEYC Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities

Complete name-to-face checks; prepare accident reports as needed; maintain cleaning records; send low-supply notices and Oh-No Reports; document behaviors, concerns, and delays; maintain updated social media posts; and use Playground software for documentation and parent relations.
Implement and follow safety protocols, report unsafe situations to the Director immediately, never leave children unattended, maintain teacher-child ratios, and provide direct care, protection, supervision, and guidance.
Supervise Assistant Teachers and Float staff.
Follow state licensing diapering guidelines and assist children with toileting, toilet training, accidents, diapering, handwashing, and hygiene; develop a system for introducing and facilitating toilet training.
Follow daily schedules, assist children during wind-down and rest time, ensure daily cleaning, and use classroom and outdoor spaces and equipment effectively.
Provide feedback to the Director about conflicts, problems, and possible program improvements.
Use approved child-guidance techniques, help children resolve conflicts, establish boundaries and personal space, support diversity, provide reasonable accommodations for children with special needs or disabilities, and develop self-regulation and coping skills.
Raise developmental-delay or behavioral concerns with the Director; keep the work environment orderly; rotate center materials quarterly or as needed; implement and adapt the Frog Street curriculum; plan transitions that minimize waiting; post curriculum weekly; meet Montana Early Learning Standards; update annual supply lists; and audit classroom supplies quarterly.
Model professionalism, moral integrity, a strong work ethic, respect, and diversity; communicate staff concerns to the Director; maintain employee confidentiality; report employee accidents; address staff concerns according to communication standards; and work with and support Assistant Teachers.
Maintain positive parent communication, provide weekly parent touchpoints, send supply notices and accident or incident updates, schedule special events, assist with developmental milestones and parent questions, refer concerns to the Director when appropriate, maintain child and client confidentiality, and communicate with parents through Playground.
Ensure licensing and Health Department requirements are met and assist with drills and safety requirements under the academy’s risk-management policies.
Monitor facilities for safety hazards and items needing repair or replacement; repair issues when possible or notify the Director.
Follow academy policies and procedures, submit requested reports and information on time, assist the supervisor with projects, promote positive public relations, attend staff meetings, and complete other duties assigned by the Director.