Lead Teacher

JOB SUMMARY: The Lead Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality care and early childhood education to children in our program. You will create a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with young children, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to promoting positive learning experiences.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

· Develops and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson plans that promote learning and growth in all areas of development.

· Plans and facilitates daily lessons, activities and experiences that are developmentally appropriate and align with curriculum goals and objectives.

· Creates a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment by establishing routines and providing positive guidance so children feel safe, supported, and valued.

· Builds positive relationships with children and families, fostering open communication and collaboration.

· Observes and assesses children's progress and developmental milestones, using this information to individualize instruction and support.

· Maintains a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, adhering to health and safety regulations as well as program policies and procedures.

· Ensures constant supervision of children in the classroom and on the playground, maintaining awareness of the number of children under your care at all times.

· Communicates regularly with parents about their child's day, progress, and any concerns or milestones.

· Completes and maintains accurate records, including attendance, daily reports, and developmental assessments.

· Serves as a positive role model for children, colleagues, and families, demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

· Collaborates with other teachers and staff to plan and coordinate special events and parent involvement activities, as needed.

· Participates in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities to enhance teaching practices and stay current on best practices in early childhood education.

· Preserves the integrity and confidentiality of protected health information of Easterseals clients.

· Understands, acknowledges, and implements Easterseals privacy policies involving the disclosure of protected health information of Easterseals clients.

· Demonstrates a strong commitment to self-development.

· Maintains a clean, safe, hazard-free work environment.

· Completes all assignments and responsibilities, is flexible and a team player.

· Acts in accordance with the Easterseals behavioral expectations, mission, vision and values.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

· Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, required

· One year of early education experience, required

· Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood or child development, preferred

· Experience working with children with disabilities, preferred

· Mandated DCF hours (or willingness to obtain)

· Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Ability to maintain a positive nurturing learning environment, even in challenging situations.

· Positive attitude towards individuals with disabilities and the Easterseals work environment and philosophy.

· Willingness to be flexible.

· Possess the qualities of integrity, tact, and good judgment.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:

· Ability to actively participate in classroom and playground activities, including walking, running, bending, kneeling, lifting, and engaging in age-appropriate physical play with children.

· Ability to interact and engage with children at their physical level, including sitting on the floor, kneeling, squatting, or sitting in child-sized chairs, and transitioning between these positions, multiple times throughout the day.

· Ability to lift, carry, and safely support children weighing up to 50 lbs., and to assist with positioning, transitions, or physical guidance appropriate to the age group.

· Ability to visually and auditorily monitor children at all times, maintaining awareness of environment, group dynamics, and potential hazards.

· Ability to respond quickly in an emergency, including moving rapidly to reach a child who may be in danger.

· Ability to tolerate outdoor weather conditions during playground activities, including heat, cold, rain, or humidity, within reasonable safety limitations.

· Ability to express or exchange information clearly through spoken word and written communication.

· Ability to receive, interpret, and respond to oral communication, including in-person and phone conversations.

USE OF TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

· Able to operate copier, scanner, and computer

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· Employees are required to work in a drug-free workplace.

· Employees are required to work in a smoke-free workplace.

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working with children with disabilities?
• Do you have reliable transportation to make it to work each day?
• Do you have a current CDA or higher?

Work Location: In person