Lead Educator

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

The Lead Educator is responsible for the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being and the supervision of his/her assigned group of children.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director and Assistant Director, performs all of the following:

Child Development and Supervision

• Plans, supervises and implements the Childcare program in accordance with policies and the philosophy of the center
• Treats each child with dignity and respect
• Helps children become aware of their roles as integral members of a group
• Physically supervise all activities of children in their care, supervision standards and processes must be maintained at all times both inside and outside of the center
• Provides consistent care of children’s needs throughout the day, to include but not limited to:
• Feeding
• Diapering
• Toilet Training
• Comforting
• Guidance
• Nap
• Play
• Learning/lessons
• Provides medical care as needed to children
• Gears the program to the needs of individual children with concern for their interests, handicaps, special talents and individual style and pace of learning
• Considers individual children in relationship to their cultural and socioeconomic background
• Develops a multi-age and developmentally appropriate activities and lessons that include dramatic play, block/manipulative, gross/fine motor, arts/crafts, music/movement, language, math/science, indoor/outdoor activities, etc.
• Communicates daily with parents regarding child’s day/activities
• Evaluates child’s performance and completes Developmental Checklist biannually
• Identify behavioral problems and determine the right course of action
• Submits monthly or weekly lesson plans with appropriate TN ELDS documentation at least one week in advance to the Assistant Director/Director
• Coordinates activities/child assignments for volunteers

Classroom and Program Management

• Responsible for the arrangement, appearance, décor and learning environment of the classroom
• Ensures classroom environment, lesson plans and all other Three Star criteria is maintained at all times
• Is responsible for maintaining accurate documentation and records of attendance, meals, accidents and medications, activity sheets, etc.
• Responsible for ensuring cleanliness of and reporting of any maintenance/repair for the classroom
• Assumes an equal share of housekeeping responsibilities (indoors and outdoors)
• Responsible for ensuring classroom is adequately stocked with any necessary forms or supplies each day before the first child arrives
• Attends all required staff meetings
• Participates in recommended training programs, conferences, CPR and First Aid courses, and other aspects of professional growth Minimum hours required: 18 per year
• Implements methods for effectively utilizing Educational Assistants
• Represents the Lead Educator position and the YWCA in a hospitable manner to guests and in contact outside the center
• Maintains a positive, flexible and cooperative relationship with all staff and volunteers of the agency
• Assists the Director and the Assistant Director of Childcare in supervising classroom staff/volunteers and ensuring the smooth coordination of all classroom activities and plans
• Carries out standards of State of Tennessee Licensure Rules; is responsible to read, review, and understand all regulations
• Responsible for reporting in an appropriate and timely manner any noncompliance with YWCA policies and procedures, State of Tennessee Licensure rules, local, state and federal regulations
• Performs other duties assigned by the Director or Assistant Director

General Requirements

• Works in a safety-conscious manner which ensures that safe work practices are used in order not to pose a risk to self or others in the workplace. Reports any safety violations or hazards to supervisor.
• Complies with YWCA policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations
• Adheres to policy on Drug Free Workplace
• Interacts in a tactful, diplomatic, and humanistic manner with children, families, visitors, volunteers, and co-workers to provide a safe, efficient and caring environment which ensures self-respect, personal dignity, rights and physical safety of each person
• Maintains a dependable attendance record and adheres to standards of cleanliness, grooming, hygiene, and dress code
• Takes positive action to ensure equal opportunity in the conduct of all business activities without regard to race, color, region, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, citizenship, veteran status or any other legally protected category

Physical Demands

• Walking, standing, talking and hearing. Supervision requirements by the State of Tennessee Licensure Rules states that an employee must be able to hear the child at all times, must be able to see the child with a quick glance, and must be able to physically respond immediately.

• Ability to routinely lift children, move furniture in an early childhood classroom and sustain long hours of active work for 8 hours or more.

• Ability to lift 40 pounds

• The agility to move quickly and keep pace with toddlers

Mental Demands

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)

• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress

• Ability to remain alert and energetic for 8 hours or more

Travel

• Minimal. Some travel from facility to facility and trainings.

Full Time staff receive:

• Discounted Childcare (if position is available)
• PTO
• Retirement Fund
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and more

Full Time and Part Time receive:

• Discounts at Bristol Bridal
• vacation time based on average hours worked annually
• Discounted room rentals including 1 free rental per year