Lead Teacher

Brief Job Description

The lead teacher is responsible for their classroom as a whole from creating a stimulating
and enrichening environment in all areas of child development to enforcing licensing
procedures within the room. They also are responsible for portraying a positive self-
image of themselves and the program and to be able to communicate with families,
children, colleagues, and community members when the opportunities occur. The lead
teacher is the one that creates the learning environment and the setting and vibes that it
gives off, so they should be conscious of their classroom management decisions.

Job Title Lead Teacher

Reports to Center Director

Minimum Qualifications
At least 18 years of age; a high school diploma or GED, diploma beyond high school
desired. Registry level 7 minimum, level 9 or higher desired; Registry information must
be up to date. At least 2 years of teaching experience required. The following
certifications are required:

• Valid CPR Certification

• Shaken Baby Syndrome
• SIDS Training
• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Must take a State and Federal Backgrounder Check

Preferred qualification: A CDA or equivalency credential with over a year of experience.

Salary Range $11.00 to $15.00, depending on qualifications

Job Purpose Statement

Provide a classroom environment that is healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate
for the children within the room. Strive to develop the students’ skills in each
developmental domain: health and physical development, social and emotional
development, language development and communication, approaches to learning, and
cognition and general knowledge. The classroom will provide a variety of opportunities
to enhance skills in each of the previously stated domains.

Essential Duties or Tasks

Supervising & Interacting with Children
− Always supervise children through usage of both sight and sound.
 − Develop and maintain a warm and nurturing relationship with all children and
their families.
− Observe children closely enough to be aware of any changes in behavior and
health. Be aware of steps to take with these changes in behavior.
− Understand and use positive behavior techniques that help each child to develop
autonomy.

Health, Safety, & Nutrition

− Enforce all safety rules of the program according to the policy manual; understand
and implement, as needed, emergency procedures for fire, storm, medical, first
aid, CPR, etc.
− Promote good hygiene through appropriate hand washing, diapering and
sanitation techniques according to the policy manual. Dress according to dress
code.
− Operate the classroom in compliance with all childcare licensing standards and
those of our accrediting agency.
− Maintain a clean, safe, healthy and attractive classroom environment according to
the standards set forth in the policy manual. Quickly wipe up spills to avoid
accidents.
− Provide a calm, pleasant, interactive experience for the children during all meals.

Activity Implementation
− Implement activities of the weekly lesson plan to fit students’ interests and
developmentally appropriate practice.
− Promote language development through storytelling, music, conversation, book
reading and pretend play.
− Organize a classroom arrangement that is conducive to appropriate behavior and
learning for the age of the group.

Communication
− Provide regular, on-going, positive communication with parents on a regular
basis, according to the expectations for the age-group. This includes, but is not
limited to, daily or weekly written and verbal reports.
− Set up parent-teacher conferences as needed. Maintain open communication with
families on the regular.
− Develop and maintain accurate, detailed and neat records of accidents, illnesses,
incidents, medication, attendance, observations, assessments, conferences or any
other records requested by the program.

General Staff Duties or Tasks

− Attend staff meetings, parent events and in-house trainings both during and after
regular program hours as required for this position.
− Attend and complete all Licensing training requirements within the time frame set
forth by the State.
 − Attend additional workshops, training and continuing education classes as
determined in the individualized training plan.
− Be familiar with and adhere to all policies set forth in the Parent Handbook, the
Staff Handbook and the Policy Manual.

Other Duties and Tasks

− Contribute to the program’s general appearance and condition; notify the director
of any facility problems. Please notify the director via email.
− Notify the director when supplies are low, or toys and materials are broken.
Please notify the director via email.
− Arrive at work on time; seldom is absent. Consistency is important with young
children.
− Answer the telephone in a pleasant, professional manner.
− Participate in all program evaluations.
− Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements
− Safely lift small children up to 30 pounds.
− Bend, stoop and kneel to children’s level.
− Sit on the floor and small chairs.
− Stand for extended periods of time.
− Withstand periods of time in the sun and heat outside.
− Communicate clearly and intelligibly both orally and in writing with children,
families and staff.