Master Teacher

Title: Master Teacher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Child Development

Position Summary:

The Master Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment. This role ensures compliance with OKDHS standards, implements individualized lesson plans, supports children’s growth, and fosters strong family partnerships. The Master Teacher also maintains a clean, organized space and promotes positive, age-appropriate interactions while actively engaging in ongoing professional development.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with OKDHS licensing regulations and classroom standards.
• Develop and implement timely, developmentally appropriate daily lesson plans that include both indoor and outdoor activities.
• Plan individualized activities to meet the unique needs of each child.
• Maintain classrooms (indoor and outdoor) that reflect multicultural values through educational materials, family-style meals, and inclusive activities.
• Build strong partnerships with parents to promote effective communication regarding children’s progress and daily experiences.
• Organize classroom environments to align with children’s developmental stages and individual needs.
• Foster developmentally appropriate teacher-child interactions promote trust, emotional security, and positive relationships.
• Offer diverse sensory and motor experiences to encourage exploration and development.
• Support the development of self-awareness, independence, self-expression, and both gross and fine motor skills.
• Maintain a clean, safe, homelike, and clutter-free learning environment in all classroom areas.
• Routinely rotate classroom materials to maintain a stimulating and engaging setting.
• Ensure all diapering and toilet training is conducted safely, hygienically, and in line with best developmental practices.
• Remain actively engaged with children throughout the day, maintaining consistent supervision.
• Keep the classroom clean, safe, and conducive to always learning.
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks that meet children’s age, developmental stage, and nutritional needs.
• Model and implement family-style dining when developmentally appropriate, following program policies.
• Encourage parent participation in classroom activities and overall program engagement.
• Greet children and families warmly and respectfully to support smooth daily transitions and a strong home-to-center connection.
• Participate in ongoing professional development through early childhood education courses, training sessions, workshops, and conferences as budget allows.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude and behavior in all work-related activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Competency Statements:

• Applies knowledge of early childhood milestones to support each child’s growth and learning.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant classroom environment always.
• Build strong relationships with families and encourage parent involvement.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers and provide support and leadership when needed.
• Responds flexibly to challenges while keeping children’s needs a priority.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This role supervises classroom volunteers and substitutes.

Work Environment:

This position is based in a classroom setting, working in close proximity to other staff and young children. Time may also be spent outdoors daily, in varying seasonal weather conditions. The noise level can range from moderate to loud, and the environment may occasionally be fast-paced or chaotic, which is typical when working with children ages 2 to 4. Employees should be prepared for exposure to strong odors (such as soiled clothing or diapers), poor hygiene, and occasional contact with childhood illnesses or bodily fluids. The role also involves regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, including evenings, and potentially weekends. Work hours and shifts may vary based on business needs.

Required Minimum Job Qualifications, Experience, and Education:

Education: Associates Degree, Child Development Associate (CDA), or a Certificate of Mastery

Experience: Must be a level 3 or higher on the Professional Development Ladder through Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD)

Skills: Fluency in both English and Spanish is required. Proficient in Microsoft Word and possesses intermediate general computer skills.

Position Requirements:

• Must have 20 or more hours of professional development training yearly
• Clearance of Background Check
• TB Screening and Physical Exam
• Current Driver’s License and Auto Insurance