Lead Teacher

Under the direction of the Center Director, plan and direct daily curriculum of developmentally appropriate activities for children. Provide supervision of children at all times and ensure their safety and well-being. Provide assistant teacher mentoring and serve as a model teacher for aides and substitute teachers. Develop, nurture and maintain strong relationships with parents, that in turn, lead to parent confidence in the center. Embrace all philosophies of the center, including Continuity of Care.

Plan and implement learning environments and a daily schedule of activities for children that include attention to cognitive development, creative expression, gross and fine motor development, social and emotional development, and multi-cultural experiences.

Provide opportunities for Teacher Aide training; observe and evaluate Aide activities; provide a working role model for Teacher Aides.

Demonstrate respect for children and create a positive emotional climate; encourage and recognize children's work and accomplishments.

Implement a positive approach to discipline; anticipate and take steps to prevent potential behavior problems; work as a team with families of children with challenging behaviors to support the child's inclusion and success.

Provide written assessment and evaluation of children's growth and development; plan and conduct parent-teacher conferences; maintain a variety of records.

Proactively initiate relationships with the parents as a priority every day. Be personable in all contacts. Inform families about classroom rules, expectations and routines.

Assist in ordering instructional supplies and equipment, in taking inventory, stocking the kitchen and supply rooms.

Assist children with hygiene procedures frequently and promptly; observe and evaluate health needs of children and take appropriate action; serve nutritionally balanced snacks; maintain all adult and child working areas in a safe, sanitary and orderly condition; repair and stock materials as needed.

Be aware of safety factors and appropriate adult-child ratio.

Operate a variety of equipment such as computers, cd players, projectors, digital cameras, laminating machines and kitchen appliances.

Teachers should be knowledgeable and demonstrate competency in tasks associate with age appropriate activities. Give one-to-one attention to children when engaging in care giving routines. Engage children in frequent face-to-face social interaction each day.

Attend staff and planning meetings and workshops; plan for own career growth and ongoing professional development.

Knowledge & Abilities

Knowledge of principles and practices of child growth and development including continuity of care, current concepts and practices used in early childhood care and education; nutrition requirements of young children; appropriate health and safety precautions and procedures; methods of observing, recording and evaluating both child and adult behavior; principles and practices of staff supervision; oral and written communications skills. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Ability to develop and maintain effective positive relationships with children 0-6 years of age, implement developmentally appropriate learning activities with young children, understand and follow oral and written directions; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; lift equipment and children weighing up to 50 pounds; meet schedules and time lines; maintain records and prepare reports; train and provide work direction to others; work confidentially and with discretion; communicate effectively; follow a time line; arrive as scheduled; perform routine clerical tasks and operate office and audio-visual equipment; recognize signs of illness and safety hazzards; maintain a professional appearance at all times.

Education & Experience

A combination of education and experience that indicates eligibility for Teacher status in the State of California Day Care Center regulations. A Child Development Teacher Certificate or equivalent, and four years of closely related work experience with young children and their families. A four-year college degree is desirable. Continuing education plans is a must.

Licenses & Other Requirements

A non smoker both at work and in private life. A thorough background check as required by the Centers accreditation and certification by "Safe Harbor Resources." Successfully passing a physical exam including drug testing. Current CPR / First Aid Certificates. Compliance with Centers Employee Policies and Procedures as set forth in the Employee Manual.

Physical Effort To Perform Essential Job Functions

Teachers must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, stand frequently, walk, bend and stoop. They must also be able to lift and carry objects and / or children weighing 50 pounds or less. Teachers must be able to view both near and far, with appropriate depth perception In addition they must be able to distinguish colors and smells, hear the sounds of normal talking, and have hearing acuity for emergency sounds and warnings. Teachers must be able to adeptly negotiate steps, ramps, stairs and uneven walking surfaces. In addition they must be able to move quickly and adeptly.

Working Conditions

Teachers will primarily works in an outdoor and indoor Children's Center environment. There will be intermittent exposure to hazardous materials such as bloodborne pathogens, bacteria, virus and other substances which may require use of protective gloves. Teachers are subject to constant personal contact with interruptions by children and parents. Although a majority of time will be worked during daylight hours, there will be some early morning and / or evening requirements. Some job rotation may be necessary.

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