Lead Toddler Caregiver

Hourly Range: $16.39 USD to $22.19 USD

Pay or shift range: $16.39 USD to $21.32 USD

This is the expected pay range for this position. Final offers are based on various factors including skill set, relevant experience, qualifications, and other job-related considerations.

Description

Position Type: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) – Grade 12

Monday - Friday: 7:00am to 3:00pm

What You’ll Do:

As a Lead Caregiver you will supports a high‑quality Early Childhood classroom by overseeing daily operations, guiding curriculum planning, and fostering a safe, nurturing learning environment. This role works closely with staff, children, and families to support child development and ensure all licensing and agency standards are met.

• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented, child-centered classroom culture.

• Oversees the daily operations of the classroom. Ensures a safe, healthy and supportive environment.

• Maintains the classroom according to Day Care Licensing Regulations and OCO Policy and Procedures.

• Takes a leadership role in weekly planning and implementation of appropriate Early Childhood Curriculum; works collaboratively with assigned staff.

• Maintains daily and ongoing open communication with parents regarding child development, classroom information and activities and daily written communication regarding the child’s day.

• Records observations and completes assessments on each child twice a year. Assessments are shared with parents.

• Implements, oversees and participates in small group, circle time and outdoor play; serves and eats lunch with children.

• Ensures materials are prepared for each day’s classroom activities. Classroom materials are rotated based on children’s development and growth.

• Conducts daily health check by observing and recording the health of the children; reports any concerns to the Center Manager.

• Maintains routine paperwork such as attendance records, meal counts, incident reports, child daily notes and family communication.

• Works as a team member to keep building equipment, both indoors and out, clean and in good condition; reports problems to the Center Manager.

• Ensures implementation of recommendations from supervisor or Center Manager.

• Participates in required professional development trainings and meetings.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• A genuine desire and ability to work with all children and their families.

• Strong teamwork and leadership skills in a co‑teaching environment.

• Sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Warm, nonjudgmental communication and the ability to model positive behavior.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions clearly and consistently.

• Physical ability to meet job demands (lifting up to 30 lbs., bending, stooping, shelving).

• Willingness to complete and maintain required training (minimum 30 hours every 2 years).

• CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration Training (MAT), or willingness to obtain.

• Valid NYS Driver’s License (within agency policy) and reliable transportation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and up to 12 months of related experience; or

• CDA Credential; or

• 9 college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field plus two years of experience working with children.

• Toddler classrooms require one additional year of specific infant/toddler training or experience.

Why Join OCO?

Become part of a mission-driven organization committed to empowering individuals and strengthening our community. Your work will have a positive impact on the lives of young children and families.

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Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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