2/3 year old Toddler Lead Teacher (Ankeny)

Little Endeavors Child Development Center; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in child development is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to provide exceptional care for children and foster a nurturing environment. This role involves planning engaging activities that align with educational objectives while ensuring effective communication with parents and staff. The ideal candidate will demonstrate compassion, a positive attitude, and a commitment to upholding the center's standards of excellence. Join a team that values collaboration and mentorship, making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families.

Qualifications

• Must have a nurturing approach towards children and a strong commitment to their development.
• Experience in lesson planning and classroom management is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement activities aligned with curriculum objectives.
• Maintain daily communication with parents and support assistant teachers.

Skills

Compassion

Communication

Organization

Conflict Resolution

Positive Attitude

Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education

Child Development Certification

Job description

General Accountability Statement

The lead teacher is responsible for providing the best care possible for the children enrolled at Little Endeavors while maintaining strong communication with office administration, fellow teachers in the assigned classroom, and parents.

The lead teacher supports Little Endeavors' philosophy and policies to uphold a standard of care that contributes to the center's reputation and excellence in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duties and responsibilities of the Lead Teacher include, but are not limited to, the following:

Teaching

1. Plan and implement both long- and short-term activities aligned with curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practices, and program philosophy.
2. Treat children with compassion, dignity, and respect, and guide them by:
   • Keeping rules simple and understandable
   • Talking with children, not at them
   • Setting a good example
   • Teaching children how to correct their misbehavior
   • Teaching children that it is okay to make mistakes
   • Teaching conflict resolution and apology skills
   • Catching children being good and praising them to build their confidence
   • Providing clear and simple choices
3. Maintain daily open communication with parents professionally and effectively.
4. Lead program direction, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines efficiently.
5. Support management, DHS, and QRS with best practice standards within the classroom and center-wide.
6. Follow all Little Endeavors policies.
7. Keep accurate records such as attendance, daily sheets, emergency contacts, sunscreen forms, permission slips, and incident reports.
8. Maintain open communication with parents via verbal updates, daily sheets, Facebook, and newsletters.
9. Prepare plans and stay organized to assist assistant teachers when absent.

Responsibilities to Co-Workers

1. Encourage assistant teachers to contribute to lesson planning.
2. Mentor assistants to step in as lead when necessary.
3. Maintain communication with morning and afternoon staff.
4. Keep open communication with the director.
5. Approach criticism with a learning attitude.
6. Come to work with a positive attitude.
7. Be friendly and respectful.
8. Seek ways to be helpful around the center.
9. Share ideas and materials.
10. Communicate directly and avoid gossip.

Responsibilities to Administration

1. Be reliable in attendance
   • Be on time
   • Provide ample notice for absences
2. Perform duties carefully and conscientiously, using positive language and actions towards children, parents, and staff.
3. Be nurturing to all children throughout the center.
4. Be courteous and helpful when dealing with children and parents.
5. Be responsible in job duties.
6. Be flexible with assignments and schedules.
7. Remain calm in tense situations.
8. Maintain a positive attitude.
9. Follow policies and procedures.

*Complete all DHS requirements, including trainings, background checks, and physicals, promptly after hiring and update annually.