Lead Teacher

CARING PEOPLE ALLIANCE

Lead Teacher

Statement of General Purpose

The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and presenting meaningful learning experiences and for creating an ideal learning environment for children in the Day Care Program of the Community Center, and for providing leadership and direction to Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Day Care Aides, and others at various locations.  

Examples of Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Plans, presents, monitors, and supervises all classroom, Community Center, and field trip learning experiences for Day Care Program participants to encourage and support intellectual, emotional, and social growth of the children; to correct disciplinary problems in an understanding, positive, and non-physical manner; to promote a positive self-image for each child; to respect the dignity and worth of each child; to encourage creativity; to create awareness of cultural diversity; and to promote a positive attitude toward school and learning.
• Develops and implements a variety of formal and informal learning activities to provide children with the necessary experience, skills, knowledge, and attitude to succeed in the Day Care Program and to graduate to a regular school environment.
• Monitors each child in Day Care Program is at all times.
• Introduces children to basic concepts to prepare them for reading, arithmetic, and other subjects and concepts; teaches group socialization skills such as communicating, sharing, and mutual respect; uses meal and snack time as learning experiences; participates in all creative and dramatic activities.
• Prepares and uses classroom materials, equipment, displays, bulletin boards, exhibits, and decorations to create an ideal learning environment; maintains classroom in clean and orderly fashion.
• Plans, schedules, arranges, and accompanies children on field trips and other activities of interest and educational value.
• Prepares formal advance plans of lessons, activities, field trips, events, themes, presentations, etc.
• Collaborates with Day Care Program administrators and staff in a team approach to develop methods and techniques to optimize child growth and development.
• Participates in in-service training; utilizes external training and educational opportunities to augment teaching skills; applies educational theory, technical improvements, new textbooks and materials, and other advances in the field to students and classroom environment.
• Develops knowledge and awareness of social and human services programs and other resources available to Day Care Program participants and their families.
• Identifies and refers child development, performance, behavior, discipline, relationship, and other problems to Day Care Program management; utilizes  assessment techniques such as observation, screening, development profiles and inventories, and readiness and achievement tests as appropriate.
• Identifies and refers indications of child abuse to Day Care Program management.
• Meets with parents to discuss individual and Day Care Program activities and progress.
• Maintains accurate attendance records; prepares individual progress reports; provides routine and exception reports to Community Center management.
• Ensures compliance with health and safety requirements for the Day Care Program.
• Acts as Lead to Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Day Care Aides, and others at various locations, providing training, scheduling, and work distribution directions.
• Performs related work as required.

Core Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of the modern methods, principles, and practices of early childhood education; of child growth and development; and of the content, methods, and materials used to teach children in early childhood.
• Ability to develop curriculum content and appropriate instructional methods; to plan and prepare lessons; to develop materials for use in instructional programs; to express ideas clearly and concisely; and to exercise good judgment in addressing and resolving problems.
• Ability to provide leadership and work direction to Day Care Program Teachers, Assistants, Aides, and others, planning, directing, and controlling their schedules and activities.
• Ability to provide Community Center management with accurate and timely reports and recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, employees, and others in a positive, pleasant, professional, and productive manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and
• Certification in Early Childhood Education
• CDA

Other Requirements

• This position includes the normal physical demands associated with a day care or similar program, including lifting, bending, and carrying; and travel to other facilities throughout the Philadelphia area.