Lead Teacher

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

The primary goal of the Lead Teacher is to provide a loving, safe, and developmentally appropriate program rooted in our core. All aspects of the classroom and curriculum must enhance each child’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional well-being.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILIES:

1. Program and Curriculum
   • Demonstrate love through gentleness, kindness, and patience – be firm, but loving
   • Prepare and implement weekly lessons that are educational and developmentally appropriate
   • Create a fun and engaging classroom through stimulating bulletin boards, centers, artwork, educational toys and materials, etc.
   • Establish clear classroom rules, routines, and appropriate disciplinary actions
   • Monitor each child’s development and progress
   • Maintain complete and accurate records (attendance, daily reports, progress reports, etc)
   • Ensure facilities, furniture, and equipment are clean, well-maintained, and safe at all times
   • Sanitize toys every Fridays or at least once a week
   • Use school supplies, materials, and equipment responsibly
   • Provide nutritious snacks and meals at appropriate times
   • Establish and maintain on-going communication with parents/caregivers
2. Child Supervision
   • Maintain a safe environment and establish rules of safe play
   • Administer positive, age appropriate discipline
   • Respond quickly and appropriately to injuries and accidents
   • Attend to basic hygienic needs such as using the bathroom, washing hands, and cleaning up
   • Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand
   • Be familiar with emergency procedures
3. Relationship with the Assistant Teacher
   • Develop a professional, friendly, and positive rapport with the Assistant Teacher
   • Work together to promote a fun, friendly, and loving atmosphere
   • Communicate clearly all classroom expectations and responsibilities
   • Provide and discuss weekly lesson plans and activities
4. Administrative
   • Communicate with the Head of School and administrative staff regarding children, the program, curriculum, classroom needs, activities, events, etc.
   • Participate in professional development opportunities provided by the school
   • Submit any and all necessary paperwork/documents in a timely manner
5. Perform other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES

Knowledge – The Lead Teacher must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:

• Child development and early education theories and practices
• Safe and appropriate activities for children
• Relevant policies and procedures to ensure that children are supervised and safe at all times

Skills – The Lead Teacher must demonstrate the following skills:

• Teaching skills
• Team building skills
• Supervisory skills
• Problem solving skills
• Decision making skills
• Effective verbal and listening skills
• Time management skills
• Stress management skills
• Organizational skills
• Interpersonal skills

Personal Attributes – The Lead Teacher must demonstrate the following attributes:

• Professionalism
• Sound work ethics
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Wisdom and discernment
• Respect
• Flexibility
• Consistency and fairness
• Compassion and understanding
• Patience

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands

Childcare can be physically demanding. The Lead Teacher may be lifting and carrying children, equipment, and may be sitting on the floor or child-sized furniture. The Lead Teacher may come in contact with children who are ill and/or contagious and must take precautions to ensure health and safety of all children, parents, staff, and themselves.

Environmental Demands

The childcare environment can be very busy and noisy. There may be several activities and situations occurring simultaneously and the Lead Teacher must be able to supervise all children and ensure their safety at all times.

Mental Demands

Childcare can be stressful. The Lead Teacher must be prepared to handle any and all accidents and emergency situations in a calm and appropriate manner.