JOB SUMMARY

Provides a stimulating, safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate educational environment where infants have opportunities to develop cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills. Responsible for the daily planning, management and supervision of the infant classroom and children. Leads and functionally supervises an Assistant Teacher or aide assigned to the classroom. Maintains responsive relationships with each child, follows individualized care routines and ensures that parent, child and classroom staff concerns are appropriately addressed or elevated to Academy management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ensures that the physical, social and emotional needs of the children are met daily through attentive, responsive and nurturing care. Learns and follows each infant's individualized feeding, sleeping and care schedule. Implements all Academy, licensing and health-and-safety policies required to keep children healthy and safe. Follows all required safe-sleep, feeding, diapering, sanitation and supervision procedures. Creates developmentally appropriate activities and opportunities that encourage sensory exploration, movement, curiosity, early language development and problem-solving. Actively supervises and engages with children throughout classroom activities, care routines and transitions. Ensures that the appearance, cleanliness, organization and safety of the classroom are appropriately maintained in accordance with Academy, licensing and applicable NAEYC guidelines. Completes all required Academy and classroom documentation accurately and on time, including attendance, daily care reports, incident reports and other classroom records. Prepares and implements classroom lesson plans, programs and schedules. Develops and prepares instructional materials for classroom activities. Assists children during feeding and mealtimes and completes all required cleanup and sanitation. Ensures that classroom and outdoor equipment are in good working condition and are used and maintained properly. Directs and coordinates the activities of other classroom staff to ensure consistent care, appropriate supervision and orderly classroom operation. Interacts professionally with parents and maintains open communication to encourage trust and family engagement. Maintains the Family Information Board and other classroom bulletin boards. Schedules and conducts parent-teacher conferences throughout the year, as requested. Ensures that all applicable North Carolina childcare licensing requirements and Academy policies are followed. Attends and participates in staff meetings, Academy events, parent meetings and required professional-development activities. Completes and maintains all required annual training hours.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Accepts temporary work assignments when regularly scheduled personnel are unavailable or additional Academy support is reasonably needed. Assists with planning and implementing Academy-wide events. Welcomes prospective families and communicates appropriately with potential new customers. Provides appropriate feedback to Academy management regarding classroom operations and the performance of classroom personnel. Prepares classroom contributions for Academy newsletters and family communications, as requested. Performs other similar or related duties necessary to support the children, classroom and Academy.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have at least two years of experience working in a licensed childcare center. Previous experience caring for infants in a licensed childcare setting is strongly preferred. Must currently meet the North Carolina DCDEE education requirements for a Lead Teacher and be qualified for the Lead Teacher position through

DCDEE WORKS

before being placed or classified in the Lead Teacher role. Must provide documentation supporting Lead Teacher qualification, including applicable credentials, transcripts or

DCDEE WORKS

qualification information. Qualifying education may include the NC Early Childhood Credential, a current CDA, qualifying early-childhood degree or coursework, or another equivalency recognized by North Carolina DCDEE. Must successfully complete all required criminal-background-check, health, orientation, preservice-training and employment-eligibility requirements. Must complete and maintain all training required for employees caring for infants, including applicable safe-sleep training. Must be dependable, professional and able to communicate effectively with children, families, coworkers and Academy management. Must be able to perform the essential physical responsibilities of the position, including frequently standing, walking, bending, kneeling and sitting on the floor. Must be able to lift, carry and safely assist children weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants who do not currently meet the North Carolina DCDEE Lead Teacher qualification requirements may be considered for another available teaching position but will not be hired, classified or titled as a Lead Teacher until the required qualification has been verified.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.00 per hour

Benefits:

Childcare Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Application Question(s): Do you currently have either: (1) a

DCDEE WORKS

qualification as a Lead Teacher, or (2) an NC-approved Lead Teacher credential or equivalency that can be verified before you begin working in the Lead Teacher role? This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and lifting or carrying children weighing up to 40 pounds. Are you able to perform these essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation?

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

infant classroom (licensed childcare): 1 year (Preferred) licensed childcare center: 2 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person