Chandler Early Learning Center (CELC) Lead Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Teacher provides responsive, developmentally appropriate care and education for infants and toddlers through relationship-based, whole-child practices. This position leads classroom teaching, collaborates closely with families, and ensures environments that honor children’s curiosity, autonomy, and emerging competencies. The Lead Teacher upholds State Child Care Licensing requirements, contributes to NAEYC accreditation efforts, and models SCCAP’s commitment to empowering people to reach their potential in all interactions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. The following should not be construed as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Safety & Supervision

• Ensures children are never left unattended and actively monitors the classroom to maintain a safe, secure environment.
• Provides responsive, respectful care during routines such as diapering, toileting, feeding, and comforting, honoring each child’s autonomy and developmental needs.
• Implements individualized feeding plans and supports children in developing healthy attitudes toward food and eating in line with responsive feeding practices.
• Reports suspected child abuse or neglect immediately in accordance with state law and SCCAP policy.

Teaching & Child Development

• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports each child’s emerging interests, individuality, and whole-person growth.
• Observes and documents children’s development to inform intentional, relationship-based teaching.
• Collaborates with specialists and early intervention providers to support children with IFSPs and integrate recommended strategies into everyday routines.
• Provides leadership and coordination within the classroom teaching team to ensure a cohesive, respectful, and reflective learning environment.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Maintains regular, meaningful communication with families about classroom experiences, routines, and each child’s development.
• Conducts at least two family–teacher conferences per year with appropriate documentation.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains accurate records of attendance, incidents, meals, family communication, and other required documentation.
• Ensures all classroom practices comply with SCCAP policies, Indiana Childcare Licensing, CACFP, and NAEYC accreditation standards.
• Collaborates with supervisors, coordinators, and other staff to support consistent, high-quality classroom operations.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA credential for Infant and Toddler Caregivers, or advanced degree with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education.
• Relevant experience working directly with infants and toddlers in early childhood classroom settings.
• Commitment to following developmentally appropriate, evidence-aligned best practices for the care and education of infants and toddlers.
• Familiarity with relationship-based, respectful approaches that emphasize responsive caregiving, early learning, and whole-child development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate a classroom teaching team, guiding daily routines, fostering intentional, reflective practice, and maintaining a cohesive, respectful environment.
• Experience observing, assessing, and responding to children’s developmental, emotional, and social needs.
• Proven experience communicating effectively with families and collaborating with colleagues and specialists to support children’s individualized learning.
• Strong reading, writing, and basic math skills; able to use computers and mobile devices for communication and documentation and to learn new software used in early childhood programs.
• Bilingual skills are an asset and may enhance communication with families, though not required.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Must maintain the integrity of confidential employment, client, and business information.
• Must be philosophically aligned with SCCAP’s mission and the Chandler Early Learning Center’s approach to early learning, child development, and viewing children as whole, capable individuals.
• Ability to apply professional judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills to support safe, respectful, and intentional classroom practices.

Childcare Requirements

• Must successfully complete all state and federal background checks required for employment in licensed early childhood programs, including child abuse and neglect clearances.
• Must obtain a physical examination from a licensed healthcare provider, as required by Indiana childcare licensing regulations.
• Must complete a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire (training provided).

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift, carry, and safely support infants and toddlers (up to 50 pounds), as well as lift, carry, push, or pull classroom equipment, materials, and supplies; other required physical tasks include stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing.
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision to observe and respond to children’s activities and needs.
• Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis, set priorities, and adjust to changing circumstances or last-minute demands.
• Requires personal maturity, a pleasant and professional demeanor, and the ability to relate and interact respectfully with children, families, and staff in a culturally diverse environment.
• Must maintain focus, attention, and patience to ensure safe, intentional, and responsive interactions with children and colleagues.