The Lead Teacher plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities that meet toddler/preschool children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs. This person is responsible for ensuring compliance with all safety, personnel qualifications and facility requirements of the CA Community Care Licensing Department of Social Services. The Lead Teacher works in partnership with the Program Manager and others to provide a rich and creative environment which meets the learning needs of all children. Regular and predictable attendance is essential. Qualified candidates will be compassionate early childhood educators who love working with children (ages 18 months to 5 years) and are dedicated to the development of the early teaching profession. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Monitor, direct, protect, encourage, and nurture children. Maintain a nurturing environment, which supports the development of each child and ensures a child-centered approach, e.g., children choose the areas they desire to learn without restriction i.e., closing off a space, restricting a child from an area all day, using timeout to discipline. Ensure staff and other caregivers interact with the children in an appropriate manner;
• Observe the children’s health daily and make appropriate decisions regarding attendance by following health and safety procedures for illnesses and communicable diseases. Ensure children are assisted with daily hygiene, e.g., assisting children with hand washing and tooth brushing, assisting children in cleaning their play areas, etc;
• Maintain a safe, fun, healthy classroom environment. Maintain all areas in an organized manner including all environmental quality aspects as they relate to maintaining quality scores per the Early Childcare Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS), Infant/Toddler Childhood Rating Scale (ITCERS) and/or Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS);
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect children, equipment, materials, and classrooms both indoors and outdoors. Ensure all learning areas are clean and orderly at all times;
• Supervise staff and participate in daily classroom operations. Ensure caregiver/child ratios are maintained. Communicate all issues/concerns to the Program Manager immediately;
• Develop a high-quality, age and culturally appropriate curriculum to successfully engage children and foster physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Ensure compliance with: Preschool for All, Department of Children, Youth and Families, the California Department of Education Title V regulations, and the Child Care Food program. For example, eat meals family style and ensure compliance with the Family Style Serving Childcare Food Program requirements;
• Model and ensure, Positive Descriptive Acknowledgement (PDA) and Teaching Pyramid Techniques with the children and for the staff;
• Establish and promote productive relationships with parents/guardians by attending parent/guardian’ meetings/workshops, family events, and encouraging families to participate in events;
• Assist the Program Manager by preparing documentation and meeting all reporting requirements as needed; including but not limited to child assessments and portfolios, monthly sign in/out sheets, ETO data requirements;
• Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as: meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, attending and actively participating in staff and individual meetings.

• Provide, facilitate and support resources for staff and other caregivers;
• Assist with training and ensure standards and practices are adhered to at all times;
• Plan, assign, direct, and evaluate staff’s work. Provide ongoing feedback and assist with goals work and annual performance reviews.;
• Coach and mentor staff. Provide constructive criticism and helpful solutions to staff without alienating or discouraging them;
• Work with staff to address complaints and resolve problems in accordance with GLIDE’s policies and procedures and in collaboration with the Program Manager and Human Resources.

• Has knowledge of Learning Strategies. Knows how to use multiple approaches when teaching children and adults. Familiar with CLASS practices, ITERS and ECERS scale;
• A “leader” with a clear vision that drives for high standards. Possesses good observational and analytical skills, and is able to offer novel solutions;
• Excellent organization and planning abilities;
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Exercises sound judgment in interactions with others. Knows when to consult and seek assistance;
• Ability to reason and consistently interact in a professional, patient and sensitive manner. Exercises tact and maintains confidentiality;
• Demonstrates Cultural Humility. Has the ability to work effectively across cultures. Demonstrates a commitment to learning, communicating and working respectfully with people different from themselves;
• Commitment to the mission, values and philosophy of GLIDE.

• BA degree in Early Child Education or related field;
• A minimum of 17-24 ECE units consisting of 12 core courses units, two supervising adults units and three Infant/Toddler Care units;
• Experience supervising a toddler/preschool program, day care center, or other child development facility;
• Competent supervisory skills of children and adults;
• Experience teaching targeted age group and strong group (children) management skills;
• Solid curriculum development experience needed;
• Knowledge of licensing requirements, Title 22 and Title V regulations.

• Must pass Tuberculosis and Dept. of Justice Fingerprint screening;
• Must have or complete CPR and First Aid Training.

• Teacher’s permit or higher level of certification from CA Dept. of Education required with continued eligibility for renewal and/or upgrade of permit to remain qualified for position held.

GLIDE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. People of color, differently abled people and LGBT persons are strongly encouraged to apply.