Teacher

Reports to: Center Director

Supervises: Assistant Teacher and Floater

General Description

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the holistic education of each child, ensuring their needs and interests are met. They must stimulate the language, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of the students by providing meaningful and personalized learning experiences. This role requires the consistent application of professional practices aligned with school policies and collaboration with students, families, colleagues, and administration. The Lead Teacher must comply with all regulations and policies of the state of North Carolina.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Collaborative Teamwork: Effectively collaborates with colleagues, fostering a positive and participatory work environment.
• Positive Communication: Promotes respectful and constructive dialogue with students, families, and coworkers to encourage understanding and mutual support.
• Customer Focus: Attends to the needs of children and families, always seeking to provide the best educational experience.
• Planning: Strategically organizes educational activities and resources to meet learning goals.
• Climate Agent: Promotes an inclusive and respectful classroom environment where all children and adults feel valued.
• Interpersonal Sensitivity: Responds with empathy to the emotional needs of children and adults in the school setting.
• Political Sensitivity: Maintains a diplomatic and professional attitude in situations requiring discretion and tact.
• Respect: Models and promotes respect for all individuals inside and outside the classroom, fostering a trusting and collaborative environment.
  
  
  

Education And Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, or Bachelor’s degree in Education or Pedagogy Early Childhood NC Credentials, or a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (with at least 18 EC Ed credits).
• AA/AAS in Early Childhood Development or Child Development.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English).
• Minimum of 2 years of verifiable experience in early childhood education.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Criminal Background Check (DHHS).
• SID certification
  
  
  

Required Skills

• Proficiency & Language Growth: Communicates clearly and effectively in English and demonstrates a willingness to learn and use Spanish in daily interactions.
• Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Creative and effective problem-solving.
• Ability to foster teamwork and maintain positive relationships with colleagues and families.
• Physical Agility: Ability to move easily within the classroom, including kneeling, crouching, crawling, running, and jumping to engage with children at their level.
• Active Physical Interaction: Ability to physically get down to a child’s level by sitting on the floor or kneeling to promote closeness and trust.
• Movement Adaptability: Ability to perform quick, precise movements when necessary to ensure children's safety, such as during play or risk situations.
  
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Educational Planning and Documentation: Plans and documents all learning activities according to SPANISH FOR FUN! (SFF!) guidelines and ensures they comply with established school policies and procedures.
• Class Attendance and Daily Classroom Management: Ensures student attendance is current and collaborates with the team to manage daily classroom activities in compliance with DCDEE and SFF! regulations.
• Active Participation in Meetings and School Events: Actively attends and contributes to planning meetings, school events, and parent conferences, ensuring adherence to SFF! policies and DCDEE rules at all times.
• Classroom Safety and Sanitation: Ensures all health and safety regulations set by SFF! and the DCDEE are followed, maintaining a safe environment and appropriate materials for children.