Early Childhood - Lead Teacher

Summary

Reporting directly to the Center Director, you will provide hands-on leadership to a team of preschool educators to provide high-quality Early Care and Education in a nature-based program. Predominantly working directly with children, the role encompasses developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Teachers must understand children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve concerns from children's families.

Duties

Oversee and manage the care and learning of preschool age children by delivering high-quality early learning and childcare
Provide hands-on leadership to the Preschool Team and model good practice during program delivery, taking opportunities to train and teach colleagues as appropriate. Support staff to develop their written work, working with the Director to spot check observations, etc.
Build positive relationships with children and families and support key workers. Promote a happy, caring and welcoming atmosphere for children, families, staff, volunteers and visitors. Provide effective and regular feedback to families.
Support the Director in the running of the Center operations. Take on responsibilities delegated by the Center Director. Assist the Center Director with program quality and improvement, as well as health and safety of the Center.
Be responsible for the program, site, and staff in the absence of the Center Director. Feel confident to facilitate visits from licensing and from other professionals alongside the Center Director or in their absence.
Engage with other professionals within and without North Woods Learning Center
Implement all North Woods Learning Center policies and procedures, and ensure state regulations are met.
Record and report on the work, progress and development of the children, including daily recording. Maintain portfolios, files and records, ensuring they are always up to date and accurate. As part of this, assist the Center Director with the Center's management system and support other staff to use it.
Plan quality activities and sessions, when appropriate in line with the Early Learning Standards, ensuring that the children's developmental needs are central.
Undertake continuous Professional Development, develop leadership skills as a practice lead and work flexibly to develop in the role over time.
Contribute to and lead parts of the on-going development of the work including the development of the outdoor site, and continue to develop the ethos of outdoor learning in all the work of the team.
Actively and fully participate in self-assessment and review processes, leading areas as dictated by the Director. Work with the Director to prepare for inspections and visits.
Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards
Ensure a healthy classroom environment - including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of professional childcare experience.
Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and familes) and to foster a team environment.
A strong understanding of child development.
Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, be outside in all weather for extended periods of time, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl.
A specific vision ability will be required including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Be able to meet the requirements to qualify as a Lead Teacher.

Benefits

Monthly Health Stipend of $358
Matched Savings Account
Annual vacation sick/personal days
Staff discounts through the State Early Learning Alliance
Fantastic training and development programs
Programming time
Generous budgets for resources
Supportive Board of Directors with a flat organizational structure
Flexible work options

About Us

We are a local child care center and our aim is to provide an environment where children can reach their full potential in a holistic and authentic way while supporting families and being part of the community. Our philosophy is nature-based and follows an inquiry-led approach that puts the voice of the child at the heart of our practice.