Lead Teacher (Childcare Assistant), Center for Young Children

Job Summary

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the daily management of the children (ages 6 weeks - 5 years) and activities in their classroom in accordance with state licensing, Paths to Quality (or NAEYC), and the Center's policies, practices, and procedures.

This position will plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities by developing a curriculum that includes specific learning activities for children enrolled.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Creates goals and ensures the weekly lesson plans cover all the content areas appropriate for the age level of the children under their charge.
• Prepares and gathers materials needed for each class, assists the children with their physical needs, and participate and in classroom activities.
• Incorporates awareness and acceptance of cultural differences in classroom activities for all children enrolled.
• Supervises and evaluates Assistant Teachers and Classroom Assistants in their room to observe and document job performances.
• Consults with Director or Assistant Direct, if any issues arise.
• Ensures a safe, clean, and orderly environment in the classroom by adhering to licensing standards as set forth by the state.
• Actively supervises children during free play, naps, and outdoor time.
• Maintains current knowledge of state licensing regulations.
• Assesses children's individual needs and goal development through biannual parental meetings, records, developmental goals, and routine assessments.
• Attends staff meetings and annually completes the professional development hours required by the state.
• Performs other duties as assigned by childcare leaders.

General Responsibilities

• Supports children's growth and development in the 5 domains (social / emotional, cognitive, physical, self-care, and communication / literacy) utilizing a variety of methods that are research-based and reflect the center's philosophy.
• Collects, evaluates, and uses information about individual children's needs, interests, and concerns gained to plan and implement curriculum and assessment.
• Understands, accepts, and embraces social, cultural, and economic backgrounds of children and families, ensuring that the program provides for these individual differences.
• Works cooperatively and equitably with classroom co-teacher to ensure engaging, comfortable, child-centered classroom.

Follows state licensing regulations and national accreditation standards.

• Fills out and files written reports and forms in a timely fashion and notifies upper management regarding any accidents or unusual incidents throughout the day.
• Handles disagreements and conflicts with other center staff in a direct, but professional and respectful manner.
• Promotes center philosophy and educational objectives.
• Supports and follows the center's code of ethical conduct.
• Assists in training for hourly aides.
• Communicates respectfully and appropriately about challenges a child may have experienced in a day. In collaboration with co-teacher, communicates with families about classroom activities and child's progress on a regular basis.
• Attends and participates in regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Pursues professional development through conferences, classes, workshops, and reading.
• Maintains the classroom in a safe, clean and orderly environment.
• May act as a substitute in the absence of designated childcare specialists or leaders.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience.

Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED) with a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification OR
• Associate's degree in early childhood development, elementary education, or related field

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in early childhood development, elementary education, or related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

Preferred

Experience in a licensed childcare facility

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Highly thorough and dependable

Working Conditions / Demands

This role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. This role frequently requires the ability to handle equipment.

This role frequently requires the ability to remain stationary and ascend / descend ladders / stairs. This role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

The role requires the ability to detect items in close proximity as well as far away; discern between colors; detect objects in peripheral space of self;

discern items in detail; and to have good depth perception. This role requires obtaining or putting away objects up to 6 feet high.

This role requires working outside from 25 degrees to 90 degrees for up to 1 hour. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Work Location

IUPUI

Indianapolis, Indiana

Advertised Salary

$41,200 per year

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including :

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level : Intermediate

FLSA : Nonexempt

Job Function : Educational Resources & Tech

Job Family : Childcare Services

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Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11 : 59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days.

To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications.

Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX.

Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator.

See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.