Lead Teacher

Location: Rochester, NY

About the JCC of Greater Rochester

The JCC of Greater Rochester is a mission-driven community organization rooted in Jewish values and open to individuals and families of all backgrounds. We serve as a welcoming hub for connection, learning, wellness, and belonging—advancing Jewish life while strengthening the broader community through inclusive programs and services.

Our work is guided by the core Jewish values that shape how we care for people, steward our resources, and create spaces that are safe, supportive, and mission-aligned:

• Kehillah - Community
• Kavod - Respect and dignity
• Hachnasat Orchim - Welcoming and belonging
• Shmirat HaGuf - Care for the body and well-being
• Chesed - Compassion

About The Wolk Children's Center

The JCC Wolk Children's Center is a premier early-childhood community dedicated to nurturing the whole child. We create a warm, engaging environment where children learn through play, social interaction, and hands-on exploration. We follow the Creative Curriculum, a research-based, field-tested approach that supports developmentally appropriate learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our program cultivates collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of community.

Why Work With Us?

We believe in supporting our educators as whole people. Team members enjoy:

• A comprehensive benefits package
• JCC membership, including access to facilities and programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Networking and community-building events
• Opportunities to engage in meaningful Jewish cultural and communal activities

Responsibilities

• Implement developmentally appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in young children.
• Support daily care routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and rest time.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment in alignment with program standards.
• Observe and document developmental milestones.
• Provide respectful, responsive, and nurturing care to infants, toddlers, and school-age children.
• Actively participate in classroom supervision, transitions, and engagement on the playground and in shared activity spaces.
• Collaborate with Teacher's Assistants, co-teachers, and administrative staff to ensure clear communication, consistency, and effective teamwork.
• Interact with families in a professional, supportive manner that encourages positive family engagement.
• Attend all required training courses, staff meetings, and professional development sessions.
• Comply with all OCFS licensing regulations and promptly report concerns or suspected violations to the appropriate staff.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field and/or Child Development Associate credential required.
• One year of experience working with children less than 13 years of age required.
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, reliability, and a strong commitment to early childhood education.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry children weighing 10-15 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally
• Ability to kneel, bend, squat, stand, and sit on the floor or child-sized furniture for extended periods
• Ambulatory ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors, including playgrounds and uneven terrain
• Ability to actively engage with children during play and movement activities

Work Environment

• Infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age classroom settings
• Outdoor learning areas, playgrounds, and walking trails
• Gymnasium and pool facilities where applicable
• Exposure to varying weather during outdoor activities

Pay

$35,000 - $45,000 per year