Lead Toddler Teacher

Summary

The Lead Toddler Teacher is responsible for planning and providing an engaging early childhood education program for a group of toddlers (ages 18 months–3 years) that meets the standards of Toledo Independent Childcare Center. The Lead Teacher supports all areas of child development and addresses the individual needs of each child in the classroom.
In partnership with families, the Lead Teacher observes and documents children’s growth, assesses developmental progress, and designs curriculum based on best practices in early childhood education. The Lead Teacher creates a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment, implements developmentally appropriate activities, and supervises daily routines to encourage exploration, independence, and social-emotional growth.

Duties

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develop an indoor and outdoor learning environment that provides a variety of age appropriate experiences to foster child exploration and discovery.
2. Use a curriculum framework and curriculum tools that provide opportunities for each child to meet learning expectations that prepare children for success in school.
3. Establish a daily routine that includes time for small group and large group activities, encourages creative expression, and incorporates health and nutrition development as part of daily activities.
4. Model appropriate and respectful behavior to the children and fellow staff.
5. Work with parents to plan culturally appropriate curriculum that supports children’s learning styles and interests.
6. Assure parent input into menus.
7. Support children’s social and emotional development through positive child guidance approaches and the development of positive relationships in the classroom.
8. Assess each child’s learning needs through screening, observation, ongoing assessment and the development of individual learning plans. Report on at least one child outcome to the Department of Early Learning.
9. Lead the classroom team that can include an Assistant Teacher, Classroom Aide and Family Support Specialist in collaboratively working with children and families. Provide direction to staff as needed.
10. Have parent conferences with each child’s parent(s) for a minimum of three hours a year to partner in learning goals, develop coordinated learning support strategies and involve the parent(s) in the child’s preschool experience. 11. Establish and maintain confidential, accurate and timely information on each child’s development and program participation. Maintain confidentiality. 12. Incorporate parenting training and parent leadership in program activities. 13. Use video communication systems and classroom video recordings for inter‐site communication, professional development and potential parent leadership training. 14. Participate in community assessment activities and an annual program self‐assessment. Use information in ongoing program improvement.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
1. A CDA or higher degree in early childhood education.
2. Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children.
3. Demonstrated ability to work efficiently within a team.
4. Demonstrated computer skills, organizational skills and commitment to follow through on tasks with a minimum of supervision.
5. Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment in critical and adverse situations.
6. Demonstrated ability to work with people, including parents, social service providers and school district personnel.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
1. Work in a Toddler classroom setting arranging furniture and classroom learning areas.
2. Have the ability to lift fifty pounds.
3. Be able to perform stationary routine and repetitive functions for extended periods.

Employment Requirements:
1. Successful completion of a criminal records and fingerprint background check.
2. Valid certificate in CPR and first aid, child abuse and neglect training, training on emergency preparedness, have a TB test to meet state health requirements.
3. Current Professional Record in OCCRRA (via Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association, ).