Lead Teacher

JCC Association of North America; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

JCC membership

Professional development opportunities

Networking events

Meaningful cultural activities

Job summary

The JCC Association of North America is seeking a Lead Teacher to provide high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school age at the Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester. The ideal candidate will maintain a nurturing environment, implement developmentally appropriate activities, and collaborate effectively with staff and families. This full-time position offers a salary between $35,000 and $45,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package including JCC membership and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• One year of experience working with children less than 13 years of age required.
• Current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement developmentally appropriate activities that support children's growth.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized classroom environment.
• Observe and document developmental milestones.
• Provide respectful, responsive, and nurturing care to children.

Skills

Professionalism

Collaboration

Reliability

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field

Child Development Associate credential

Job description

Location and Job Title:

Lead Teacher
Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester
1200 Edgewood Ave
Rochester, NY 14618

Principal Responsibilities:

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Teacher provides high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school age. This role contributes to the daily operations of the classroom, promotes child development across all domains, and helps maintain a nurturing, safe, and organized learning environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Implement developmentally appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in young children.
• Support daily care routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and rest time.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment in alignment with program standards.
• Observe and document developmental milestones.
• Provide respectful, responsive, and nurturing care to infants, toddlers and school age.
• Actively participate in classroom supervision, transitions, and engagement on the playground and in shared activity spaces.
• Collaborates with Teacher's Assistants, co-teachers, and administrative staff to ensure clear communication, consistency, and effective teamwork.
• Interact with families in a professional, supportive manner that encourages positive family engagement.
• Attend all required training courses, staff meetings, and professional development sessions.
• Comply with all OCFS licensing regulations and promptly report concerns or suspected violations to the appropriate staff.

OTHER DUTIES

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field and/or Child Development Associate credential required.
• One year of experience working with children less than 13 years of age required.
• Current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, reliability, and a strong commitment to early childhood education.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift and carry children weighing 10-15 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally
• Ability to kneel, bend, squat, stand, and sit on the floor or child-sized furniture for extended periods
• Ambulatory ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors, including playgrounds and uneven terrain
• Ability to actively engage with children during play and movement activities

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Infant, toddler, preschool, and school age classroom settings
• Outdoor learning areas, playgrounds, and walking trails
• Gymnasium and pool facilities where applicable
• Exposure to varying weather during outdoor activities

Equal Employee Opportunity

The JCC of Greater Rochester is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive culture in which staff, members, and community partners can thrive.

EOE Disability/Veteran

Salary:

$35,000 - $45,000

Benefits:

Why Work With Us?

• A comprehensive benefits package
• JCC membership, including access to facilities and programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Networking and community-building events
• Opportunities to engage in meaningful Jewish cultural and communal activities