What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infant Lead Teacher position at Plateau Early Learning Center?
PELC is a learning center, not a babysitting center. We are looking for individuals with a strong passion for learning to join our team!
Responsibilities
The Lead Infant Teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment for infants ages 0–12 months. This role includes planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, ensuring the highest level of care, maintaining compliance with state regulations, and leading assistant teachers in daily routines and curriculum delivery. The Lead Teacher serves as the primary point of contact for parents regarding their child’s progress and care.
Duties
The Lead Infant Teacher’s specific duties follow, but these may vary as needed to meet the needs of children, families, and PELC’s program.
- Plan activities and implement a daily curriculum that supports the physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development of infants.
- Establish and maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom that meets licensing and center standards.
- Supervise, mentor, and support assistant teachers, modeling best practices in infant care and education.
- Maintain proper teacher-to-child ratios at all times.
- Provide consistent and responsive care, including feeding, diapering, napping, and comforting.
- Observe, document, and assess each child’s development.
- Implement individualized care plans based on children’s needs, family preferences, and developmental milestones.
- Support infants in developing fine and gross motor skills, early language, and sensory exploration.
- Build trusting, respectful relationships with families.
- Provide daily updates on children’s activities, routines, and progress via verbal communication, ChildPilot app updates, and written reports.
- Lead parent-teacher conferences as required (2-3 times a year).
- Follow all state licensing regulations, health and safety protocols, and center policies.
- Maintain accurate attendance records, daily logs, and incident reports.
- Ensure safe sleep practices are consistently followed per state and national guidelines.
- Conduct daily safety checks of equipment, toys, and materials.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
- Collaborate with other teachers and administrative staff to create a positive, team-oriented environment.
- Contribute to the center’s mission, values, and goals through active engagement and leadership.
Qualifications
- MERIT Profile Verified
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year working with children in a licensed childcare setting.
- Education: High school diploma or GED and one of the following:
- ECE Short Certificate (20 ECE credits)
- → Must be completed by August 1st 2026 or within 5 years of hire.
- Associate degree or higher in ECE or related field.
- → PELC requires each lead teacher to take a minimum of one class per quarter to complete their Associate Degree in ECE.
- Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid, Food Handler’s Permit, 30 Hours STARS*, and any state-required training (e.g., Safe Sleep, Mandated Reporter).
- Strong understanding of infant development, responsive caregiving, and early learning best practices.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and engage in floor play.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
* Or education per DCYF that qualifies for 30-Hour STARS training exemption.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, Monday–Friday (hours to be determined).
- 8 hours shift
- Occasional evenings or weekends for events or training.
Benefits
- Professional development assistance
- Childcare discount
- Retirement account
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off (1.5h per 40h worked)
- Paid holidays
- Paid lunch break
- Opportunity for financial education