Lead Teacher

About the role

The Lead Teacher will provide the best possible environment for children assigned to their classroom. They will work cooperatively with the Childcare Director in teaching, program planning, and general operation of the Center. They will also provide training and leadership to staff in cooperation with the Director and assume responsibilities for the daily operation of the program.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health and safety of the children in the classroom.
• Ensure classroom practices are consistent with MA EEC or CT OEC laws and regulations at all times.
• Maintain daily classroom safety, organization, and cleanliness.
• Manage classroom such that it maintains MA EEC or CT OEC required child:staff ratios at all times.
• Report all incidents and accidents to the Program Director, and complete all documentation.
• Notify the Program Director immediately in case of unreasonable behavior from staff, children and parents, or of any parent complaints received.
• Plan for and practice monthly fire drills (rotating two exit routes monthly) and record in fire drill log.
• Document all incidents and accidents.
• Implement classroom policies as outlined in each year’s Staff Handbook.
• Lead Staff Meetings and prepare all training with guidance from the Program Director.
• Aid in preparation and running of annual staff orientation and regularly scheduled staff meetings/professional development.
• Create “Icebreaker” activities for all monthly staff meetings.
• Administer medication to children as prescribed by their physician and in compliance with EEC or OEC regulations.
• Plan for, clarify expectations, and oversee any assistant teacher, aide, or volunteer who may be assigned to classroom.
• Be aware of school days off and plan for extra staffing coverage.
• Direct child guidance to the goal of maximizing the growth and development of children and protecting the group and the individuals within it.
• Support children in the development of selfesteem, independence, and selfregulation.
• Prepare regular progress reports and submit to Program Director for review as scheduled.
• Maintain individual records for each as specified by EEC or OEC requirements.
• Use proper handwashing before handling food, after diaper changing, blowing noses, using bathrooms, caring for a sick child, and handling of animals, etc.
• Implement and maintain a system of reward charts for schoolage children.
• Never allow anyone to pick up a child from the Center that does not have the proper identification.
• Escort transportation children to and from vans/buses.
• Ensure the driver signs out on the SignOff sheet.
• Never allow unauthorized persons on the grounds.
• Set up and conduct parent tours and positively explain program (when the Program Director is not available).
• Create monthly newsletters for families (Project Director review 1 week in advance).
• Available for parent conferences as needed and requested.
• Make daily plans in keeping with the philosophy of the program and the needs of the children.
• Create monthly bulletin boards.
• Supervise appropriate use of educational materials and supplies.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma, AND 12-credits in Early Childhood Education (Must be 4 different categories of study): - 3-credits in Child Growth and Development; AND - 3-college credits in program planning (Category 2), early childhood curriculum (Category 3), OR behavior management (Category 4) (for lead teacher-preschool); AND/OR - 3-college credits in infant-toddler care and education (Category 7) (for infant-toddler lead teacher certification). - The remaining 6 credits may be in other early childhood education categories of study (not in Child Care Administration and other Leadership Categories).
• Experience: 36-months of experience if you have a high school diploma or G.E.D; OR 27-months of experience if you have an EEC certificate (or equivalent in CT locations), Alterna-tive Early Childhood Training Program, or an associate’s degree in an unrelated field; OR 18-months of experience if you have an associate's degree in a related field; OR 18-months of experience if you have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field; OR 9-months of experience if you have a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Cultivate and maintain an atmosphere of teamwork.
• Genuine enjoyment when working with children.
• Comfortably engage with students, staff, and parents.
• Easily and compassionately address student’s needs and engage/counsel parents.
• Quickly and effectively problem solve complex situations.
• Contribute to program growth.
• Maintain sound working relationships with staff.

Benefits

On-going education, training, certification: Annual CPR and First Aid, Infant & Child. Maintain certification with MA EEC and/or CT OEC. Participate in required professional development annually.

Pay

$21 - $23 per hour

Schedule

8.5 hours per day with an unpaid 30-minute meal break.