DeFord Early Learning Center Lead Teacher

South Central Community Action Program; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

South Central Community Action Program seeks a Lead Teacher-Onsite Supervisor at Owen County Public Library in Spencer, IN. You will lead infant/toddler education, partner with families, and ensure developmentally appropriate practices in a safety‑focused environment.

The role also designates you as Onsite Supervisor during absences, maintaining licensing compliance, communicating with regulators, and guiding staff through emergencies while promoting inclusive learning.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA credential as a minimum.
• Familiarity with relationship-based, respectful approaches in care and learning.
• Ability to lead and coordinate site teaching staff in daily routines.
• Experience observing, assessing, and responding to children’s developmental and social needs.
• Strong communication with families and collaboration with colleagues and specialists.
• Proficiency with basic math, reading, writing, and using computers/devices for documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead classroom teaching and coordinate site teaching staff to ensure a cohesive, respectful learning environment.
• Maintain licensing compliance, safety, and emergency procedures for the Micro Center.
• Maintain attendance, meals, family communication, and required documentation.
• Serve as Onsite Supervisor during Coordinator absence and support operational continuity.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum tailored to infants and toddlers.
• Observe and document children’s development to inform intentional teaching.

Skills

Communication with families

Leadership

Observation & assessment

Documentation

Technology literacy

Education

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

CDA credential for Infant and Toddler Caregivers

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Owen County Public Library - Spencer, IN 47460

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: CDA

Job Category: Education

The Lead Teacher-Onsite Supervisor provides responsive, developmentally appropriate care and education for infants and toddlers through relationship-based, whole-child practices. This position leads classroom teaching, collaborates closely with families, and ensures environments that honor children's curiosity, autonomy, and emerging competencies. The Lead Teacher-Onsite Supervisor upholds State Child Care Licensing requirements, contributes to program quality initiatives, and models SCCAP's commitment to empowering people to reach their potential in all interactions.

In addition to classroom responsibilities, the Lead Teacher-Onsite Supervisor serves as the designated person in charge of the Micro Center facility during any absence of the Supervisor. This position is responsible for maintaining compliance with licensing regulations, supporting operational continuity, communicating with regulatory agencies as needed, and overseeing emergency procedures to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children and staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety & Supervision

• Ensures children are never left unattended and actively monitors the classroom to maintain a safe, secure environment.
• Provides responsive, respectful care during routines such as diapering, toileting, feeding, and comforting, honoring each child’s autonomy and developmental needs.
• Implies individualized feeding plans and supports children in developing healthy attitudes toward food and eating in line with responsive feeding practices.
• Reports suspected child abuse or neglect immediately in accordance with state law and SCCAP policy.

Teaching & Child Development

• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports each child’s emerging interests, individuality, and whole-person growth.
• Observes and documents children’s development to inform intentional, relationship-based teaching.
• Collaborates with specialists and early intervention providers to support children with IFSPs and integrate recommended strategies into everyday routines.
• Provides leadership and coordination within the site teaching staff to ensure a cohesive, respectful, and reflective learning environment.

Documentation, Compliance & Supervisor-Designee Responsibilities

• Maintains accurate records of attendance, incidents, meals, family communication, and other required documentation.
• Serves as the designated Onsite Supervisor for the Micro Center and assumes responsibility for facility operations during any absence of the Coordinator.
• Carries out the normal operation of the Micro Center in accordance with applicable licensing regulations and agency policies.
• Maintains access to children's records and personnel files necessary to support program operations, compliance monitoring, and emergency response.
• Serves as a point of contact with state licensing representatives and other regulatory agencies when designated or when the Coordinator is unavailable.
• Coordinates and implements emergency procedures and routines and provides leadership to staff during emergency situations.
• Takes appropriate action to protect the health, safety, and welfare of enrolled children and staff during operational or emergency situations.

QualificationsEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA credential for Infant and Toddler Caregivers, or advanced degree with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education.
• Familiarity with relationship-based, respectful approaches that emphasize responsive caregiving, early learning, and whole-child development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate site teaching staff, guiding daily routines, fostering intentional, reflective practice, and maintaining a cohesive, respectful environment.
• Experience observing, assessing, and responding to children’s developmental, emotional, and social needs.
• Proven experience communicating effectively with families and collaborating with colleagues and specialists to support children’s individualized learning.
• Strong reading, writing, and basic math skills; able to use computers and mobile devices for communication and documentation and to learn new software used in early childhood programs.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must maintain the integrity of confidential employment, client, and business information.
• Must be philosophically aligned with SCCAP's mission and the Micro Center's approach to early learning, child development, and viewing children as whole, capable individuals.
• Ability to apply professional judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills to support safe, respectful, and intentional classroom practices.

Childcare Requirements

• Must successfully complete all state and federal background checks required for employment in licensed early childhood programs, including child abuse and neglect clearances.
• Must obtain a physical examination from a licensed healthcare provider, as required by Indiana childcare licensing regulations.
• Must complete a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire (training provided).

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

Ability to lift, carry, and safely support infants and toddlers (up to 50 pounds), as well as lift, carry, push, or pull classroom equipment, materials, and supplies; other required physical tasks include stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing.

Requires normal range of hearing and vision to observe and respond to children’s activities and needs.

Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis, set priorities, and adjust to changing circumstances or last-minute demands.

Requires personal maturity, a pleasant and professional demeanor, and the ability to relate and interact respectfully with children, families, and staff in a culturally diverse environment.

Must maintain focus, attention, and patience to ensure safe, intentional, and responsive interactions with children and colleagues.

SCCAP is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. Contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations.