Lead Teacher/ECDS

The Lead Teacher/ECDS position will assume complete responsibility for their classroom including supervision of all Classroom Technicians working in that classroom, and all of the patients served. They will act as Early Childhood Developmental Specialist for their classroom and be responsible for ensuring all required classroom documentation, including the annual Individualized Treatment Plan, is timely and accurate. They may also act as ECDS for other classrooms. This position will also ensure appropriate habilitation services in areas of cognition, communication, social/emotional, motor and adaptive skills; or to reinforce skills learned and practiced in occupational, physical and/or speech therapy. 

Summary of essential job function

• Adhere to all policies and procedures outlined in the Arkids Pediatric Day Centers’ Employee Handbook and Management and Medical Policies and Procedures Manuals
• Familiar with requirements set forth by regulatory agencies including Arkansas Minimum Licensing, Division of Provider Services & Quality Assurance (DPSQA), Arkansas Health Department, etc.
• Maintain visual supervision of the patients, at all times, and ensure appropriate adult-to-child ratios are maintained
• Know how many children are in their care at all times
• Speak in a pleasant, positive, and caring voice to patients, parents, and personnel
• Represent the program to parents/guardians, visitors, colleagues, and the public in a positive attitude and approach
• Actively involved with patients to promote gross and fine motor development during periods of physical activity
• Maintain familiarity with health and safety guidelines, including standard precautions and daily operating procedures
• Ensure a positive emotional climate for the patients by showing respect to children and adults and willingness to help others
• Immediately report any information regarding health and safety concerns to the Center Nurse or other appropriate staff
• Display concern for the rights of patients and families served by the Center
• Ensure that each patient’s Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) is implemented and assists with development of goals/objectives
• Review lesson plans with Classroom Techs in advance
• Ensure Tally Sheets are being completed as scheduled and checked for accuracy weekly, but a minimum of monthly
• Ensure each patient’s ITP is implemented and develops goals/objectives
• Ensure classroom billing in Aspyre is completed and reviewed daily to ensure that it’s completed correctly, and the appropriate signatures are obtained
• Provide guidance and supervision of classroom planning and activities
• Ensure children are signed in/out of the classroom by the appropriate staff or by those designated on the pick-up list
• Ensure patients receive 1 hour of outdoor play time per day (weather permitting)
• Ensure at least one walkie talkie is available when on the playground
• Ensure a playground sweep is completed prior to re-entering the building from the playground
• Ensure there is a Lead adult and Caboose adult any time you are transitioning more than 2 patients
• Ensure transition policies and procedures are followed, including proper head counts, and visually sweeping the area before exiting
• Utilize Conscious Discipline techniques with the patients served
• Maintain open communication with parents/guardians, families, visitors, all Arkids Pediatric Day Centers’ personnel, and outside contacts
• Attend and actively participates in job-related functions, parent meetings, and staff training sessions
• Display concerns for the rights of patients and families served by the Center
• Create a clean, safe, healthy, and sanitary learning environment
• Perform some housekeeping/janitorial functions
• Assist other classrooms if need arises
• Give lunch breaks to various classrooms as assigned
• Participate in parent/guardian meetings, staff training sessions, and other job-related events
• May help with unloading/loading vans
• Assist with light housekeeping duties
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum requirements

• BSE in Early Childhood Education or a bachelor's degree and has at least one (1) of the following: Current Certification in Arkansas For Early Childhood or Early Childhood Special Education, current child development associate's certificate, current birth to pre-K credential, or documented experience working with children with special needs and twelve (12) hours of completed college courses in early childhood, child development, special education, elementary education, or child and family studies required
• Five (5) years of experience in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• Clear Criminal Record Check, Arkansas Child & Adult Maltreatment Regulatory Checks, FBI Regulatory Check, including National Sex Offender Registry
• May be asked to complete New Director Orientation or related course
• Pass a drug screen (upon hire, annually, and/or randomly)

Abilities Required

• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and supervisors
• Ability to work with children
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a very busy environment
• Ability to carry out instructions
• Ability to clean efficiently and timely
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stand, walk, pull, and reach for several hours per day
• Ability to demonstrate basic computer skills

Competencies Areas

• Time Management
• Analysis and Resolution of Problems
• Embraces Diversity
• Attendance
• Decision Making
• Encourages Focus & Commitment
• Promotes Strong Work Ethic
• Demonstrates Integrity
• Maintains Cooperative Relationships
• Maintains Confidential Information

*Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurances, 401K*