Lead Teacher

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Lead Teacher is responsible for ensuring the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team.  They assist with the planning and implementation of the curriculum. 
 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Maintains a Safe and Healthy Environment 

1. Maintain an orderly learning environment. 

1. Promote healthy eating practices by eating with children. 

1. Help children maintain proper dental hygiene according to regulations. 

1. Post necessary health and safety information. 

1. Share routine duties with other staff (supervision on playground, toileting, cleanup, classroom maintenance). 

1. Assist in keeping room and other areas neat and clean. 

1. Interact with children in activities they are supervising. 

1. Perform health checks on children daily. 

1. Perform daily classroom and playground safety checks and report deficiencies to Curriculum       Specialist/Center Director. 

1. Perform appropriate hand washing and sanitizing procedures. 

1.  Ensure that Active Supervision policies are followed at all times to ensure safety of children while under our care. 

Demonstrates Physical & Cognitive Competence 

1. Provide balance between child/teacher-initiated activities. 

1. Use equipment/materials to promote physical development. 

1. Provide balance between quiet/active learning activities. 

1. Involve children in planning and implementing activities. 

1. Provide an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of individual children. 

1. Plan and implement activities that promote acquisition of number concepts. 

1. Plan and implement experiences that promote language and literacy development. 

1. Consider outdoors as a part of the learning environment. 

1. Assess children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis. 

1. Maintain lesson plans on a weekly basis. 

1. Use the results of assessments to plan activities for children based on their developmental level. 

1. Prepare activities ahead of time so materials are in order when needed and follow through with planned activities. 

1. Share knowledge of children’s developmental stages by planning age-appropriate activities. 

Supports Social and Emotional Development and Provides Positive Guidance 

1. Plan and implement hands-on activities that develop positive self-esteem. 

1. Plan and implement hands-on activities that develop social skills. 

1. Plan and implement culturally diverse experiences. 

1. Promote the use of positive guidance techniques. 

1. Provide a wide variety of creative/expressive activities. 

1. Establish routines with smooth transition periods. 

1. Encourage children to be independent in decision making and self-care (dressing, toileting, etc.) 

1. Greet children upon arrival and departure. 

1. Show each child affection and attention daily. 

1. Encourage children to problem solve and discover. 

1. Help children work out problems by encouraging them to talk about their feelings (anger, sadness, fear, etc.) and express them appropriately. 

1. Must be willing to work with special needs children and families. 

Establishes Positive and Productive Relationships with Families 

1. Greet parents and other visitors with a smile and friendly manner. 

1. Take time to explain classroom activities and projects to parents. 

1. Provide verbal and/or written communication to parent’s daily regarding child’s activities. 

1. Relate assessment information to parents and offer support for dealing with children at different developmental stages. 

1. Plan and conducts home and/or personal visits. 

1. Promote communication with parents through Procare, progress notes, monthly newsletters, and parent conferences. 

1. Provide a variety of ways that families can participate in the program and encourage family engagement. 

Maintain a Commitment to Professionalism 

1. Attend staff and parent leadership meetings. 

2. Attend conference and in-service training. 

3. Make observable use of knowledge gained from conferences and courses. 

4. Share new ideas and skills with other staff members. 

5. Promote the Agency’s philosophy and educational objectives. 

6. Report to the Center Director before workday begins when planning to be absent. 

7. Maintain a good attendance record. 

8. Report to classroom according to schedule. 

9. Follow center rules regarding breaks, telephones, maintain timecard, etc. 

10. Demonstrate proficiency in required job skills and knowledge. 

11. Exhibit ability to learn and apply new skills. 

12. Maintain current knowledge of trends and best practices in ECE. 

13. Ability to work independently with minimal guidance. 

14. Use resources effectively and efficiently. 

15. Display understanding of State Licensing Regulations. 

16. Display understanding of NAEYC standards. 

17. Display understanding of Quality Rated standards. 

18. Display knowledge and understanding of Head Start Performance Standards. 

19. Work with Curriculum Specialist/Center Director to ensure that adequate materials are available in classrooms and unit boxes. 

20. Ensure that children’s developmental assessments are completed and on-going assessments are used for planning. 

Teamwork: 

1. Display the ability to work as a team member. 

1. Establish and maintain effective relationships with center staff. 

1. Actively work to resolve conflict. 

1. Maintain flexibility with center changes as needed. 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:  

The Lead Teacher must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:  

1. Child development and early education theories and practices. 

1. Safe and appropriate activities for children. 

1. Relevant policies and procedures to ensure that children are supervised and safe at all times. 

1. An understanding of the early education and family center cultural environment.   

1. Demonstrate team building skills, supervisory skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, decision making skills, effective verbal and listening communications skills, stress management skills, time management skills, and teaching skills.   

1. Maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of early learning professional.    

1. Demonstrates the ability to be respectful, possess cultural awareness and sensitivity, be flexible, demonstrate sound work ethics, be consistent and fair, be compassionate and understanding, be able to build esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:  

Associate's in early childhood education or closely related field  
 
OR 

BA or BS: Early Childhood or closely related field preferred 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

The Lead Teacher may be expected to:  

1. Lift and carry children and equipment, 30lbs unassisted and 50lbs with assistance.  

1. Capability to sit on the floor and stand up independently to interact with children. 

1. Clean and maintain equipment and the center.  

1. Take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, and staff due to the potential exposure to anyone who may be ill and/or contagious. 

1. Work in a busy and occasionally noisy environment where there may be a number of activities and situations happening at once. 

1. Ability to use arms and legs and moving their whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. 

1. Ability to learn/use technology. 

1. Ability to pass a hearing test. 

1. Visually observe children from all areas of the classroom and playground from a distance of at least 20 feet. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:    

Background check, fingerprinting, and drug test are required prior to hire date.  Caring for children can be stressful. The Lead Teacher must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities. There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the Lead Teacher must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time. 

EVALUATION:  

Performance of this job will be evaluated consistent with Sheltering Arms evaluation policy. 

PAY: 

In accordance with Sheltering Arms Salary Schedules.  
Date(s) Revised: 08/04/2025  

This description may be changed at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by leadership.  Sheltering Arms reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.