Lead Teacher

About the Role

The Lead Teacher role is primarily responsible as a direct service member of the TCDC team. Performance will be measured by individual child/classroom outcomes, achieving personal targets/goals, and contributing to the overall program team/department while embracing the organization’s culture.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and oversee all aspects of classroom activities in accordance with Thompson philosophy and policies.
• Provide direct service and supervision to children at all times, adapting to meet individual needs within the curriculum structure and in cooperation with other staff.
• Focus on the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the children.
• Prepare materials in advance to successfully implement daily plans.
• Implement techniques that enhance cognitive development and prepare children for school success.
• Coordinate additional evaluations by specialists and help implement services for preschool children with special needs.
• Establish behavior treatment plans in collaboration with behavior modification counselors.
• Supervise, guide, and model professional methods for staff, parents, and volunteers.
• Oversee the quality of the classroom environment, ensuring cleanliness, repairs, and stocked supplies.
• Build meaningful relationships with parents, guardians, and extended family members.
• Understand and respect cultural diversity to better serve families.
• Maintain accurate and timely child record information.
• Contribute regularly to center communication forms.
• Intervene appropriately to meet children’s and families’ needs, helping them gain skills and confidence.
• Work flexibly to accommodate center needs and perform additional duties as required by Administration.
• Use technology to track student assessments and observations effectively.
• Apply NC Foundations, Teaching Strategies Gold, and Creative Curriculum into lesson plans.

Leadership and Professional Development

• Assume responsibility for personal professional development and assist in setting personal goals.
• Complete continuing education requirements based on state or agency standards.
• Maintain a personal professional development file.
• Serve on professional committees and participate in the evaluation process.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent, with 2 years of experience working with children ages Birth-5.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome training, knowledge of Environmental Rating Scales, and Division of Child Development and Early Education regulations a plus.

Physical Requirements

Employees must be able to walk, sit, use hands to handle objects, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. Vision abilities include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The role involves performing a wide variety of physical tasks, including standing.