Job Description
The Lead Teacher is responsible for supporting the operations of the classroom by enforcing rules, following established lesson plans, and ensuring a safe environment. This position will provide structure and guidance to children, staff, and families. They will work closely with the Assistant Teacher in establishing and leading educational, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for children in the Early Learning Academy (ELA) programs.
Essential Job Functions:
- Oversee classroom operations, including lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and reporting supply needs to the ELA Director.
- Follow all state licensing and BGCA rules and regulations including maintaining required staff to child ratio in classroom.
- Maintain constant awareness of all children in the classroom through active supervision, including scanning, moving strategically, using name-to-face counts and engaging with children at all times.
- Guide and support Assistant Teachers in the classroom by providing clear feedback, direction, and mentorship to ensure a positive and effective learning environment.
- Coordinate with Assistant Teachers on execution of lesson plans and classroom activities.
- Lead a variety of age-appropriate activities to support children's physical and intellectual development.
- Provide materials and resources to promote physical, mental, and social growth through play, art, music, and storytelling.
- Assist with diapering, potty training, and regulating rest/nap schedules.
- Serve balanced meals and snacks and comply with CACFP meal counts and production records.
- Ensure a safe environment by monitoring children's play and sanitizing toys and equipment.
- Perform light housekeeping tasks (classroom cleaning, laundry, cleaning, changing linens).
- Collaborate with leadership to provide indoor and outdoor spaces for creative play and motor-skill development.
- Maintain records of daily activities, meals, medications, and observations for each child.
- Communicate with parents/guardians about children's daily activities, behaviors, and concerns.
- Use electronic devices including ProCare for daily reporting.
- Assist with bus loading/unloading on field trips.
- Guide positive behavior, enforce discipline, and document/report incidents to the ELA leadership.
- Conduct child assessments, maintain portfolios, and participate in parent-teacher conferences.
- Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
- Welcome new members, introduce them to the facility, and encourage participation.
- Responsible for all other duties and tasks assigned by ELA leadership.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Infant and Toddler Classrooms-
- An Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s Degree or higher in a relevant field required.
- Preschool and Pre K Classrooms-
- A Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s Degree or higher in a relevant field required.
- Three years of experience as a lead teacher in a childcare setting may be considered in place of the stated education requirements. BGCSE encourages all lead teachers to pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential to further their professional growth and offers support to employees interested in enrolling in a CDA program.
- A valid CPR Certification or the ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification within 90 days of employment is required. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire does provide this training for those not certified.
Skills and Knowledge Requirements:
- Must be reliable with good attendance and consistency to be on time.
- Time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to take initiative, prioritize duties, and work both independently and as part of a team.
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
- Constant hearing, hand-eye coordination, mind-eye coordination.
- Intermittent speaking, standing, walking, kneeling, lifting, reaching, low-level activity, and squatting.
- Potential exposure to communicable diseases.
- Frequent lifting of objects under 20 pounds, and occasional lifting of items up to 75 pounds.
- Indoor with minimal outdoor work. Extreme temperatures in the summer and winter to be expected.
Pre-Employment Screenings:
- Pre-employment screenings may include, but not limited to, the following: drug screen, criminal background check(s), child abuse/neglect screening(s), driving history screening(s), and reference checks.
We strive to make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. For a full job description or for any assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Coordinator at 605-306-1125.
All qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, non-job-related disability, or any other protected class