Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester 1200 Edgewood Ave Rochester, NY 14618 About the JCC of Greater Rochester The JCC of Greater Rochester is a mission-driven community organization rooted in Jewish values and open to individuals and families of all backgrounds. We serve as a welcoming hub for connection, learning, wellness, and belonging--advancing Jewish life while strengthening the broader community through inclusive programs and services. About the Wolk Children's Center The JCC Wolk Children's Center is a premier early-childhood community dedicated to nurturing the whole child. We create a warm, engaging environment where children learn through play, social interaction, and hands-on exploration--because we understand that young learners thrive as constructivists. We follow the Creative Curriculum, a research-based, field-tested approach that supports developmentally appropriate learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our program cultivates collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Why Work With Us? We believe in supporting our educators as whole people. Team members enjoy: JCC membership, including access to facilities and programs Networking and community-building events Opportunities to engage in meaningful Jewish cultural and communal activities JOB SUMMARY The Lead Teacher provides high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school age. This role contributes to the daily operations of the classroom, promotes child development across all domains, and helps maintain a nurturing, safe, and organized learning environment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Implement developmentally appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in young children. Support daily care routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and rest time. Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment in alignment with program standards. Observe and document developmental milestones. Provide respectful, responsive, and nurturing care to infants, toddlers and school age. Actively participate in classroom supervision, transitions, and engagement on the playground and in shared activity spaces. Collaborates with Teacher's Assistants, co-teachers, and administrative staff to ensure clear communication, consistency, and effective teamwork. Interact with families in a professional, supportive manner that encourages positive family engagement. Attend all required training courses, staff meetings, and professional development sessions. Comply with all OCFS licensing regulations and promptly report concerns or suspected violations to the appropriate staff. OTHER DUTIES Performs all other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field and/or Child Development Associate credential required. One year of experience working with children less than 13 years of age required. Current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, reliability, and a strong commitment to early childhood education. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Ability to lift and carry children weighing 10-15 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally Ability to kneel, bend, squat, stand, and sit on the floor or child-sized furniture for extended periods Ambulatory ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors, including playgrounds and uneven terrain Ability to actively engage with children during play and movement activities WORK ENVIRONMENT Infant, toddler, preschool, and school age classroom settings Outdoor learning areas, playgrounds, and walking trails Gymnasium and pool facilities where applicable Exposure to varying weather during outdoor activities EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The JCC of Greater Rochester is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive culture in which staff, members, and community partners can thrive #J-18808-Ljbffr Jewish Community Center Works