Lead Teachers - Portsmouth Location

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

We are currently seeking Full-Time Lead Teachers to join our team at our Portsmouth center. This is a co-lead teaching position , working collaboratively with another Lead or Associate Teacher to create a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children.

Key Responsibilities:

• Join our dynamic team as a Full-Time Lead Teacher in our Portsmouth center.
• Collaborate with colleagues to create a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment for young children.
• Ensure a high level of quality care and education for children in our preschool program.
• Work closely with families to maintain open lines of communication and foster positive relationships.
• Contribute to the growth and development of our team by sharing expertise and best practices.
• Be an integral part of our center's mission to provide exceptional childcare and education.

Position Overview:

• Location: Portsmouth, NH
• Hours: Monday – Friday, between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM (exact shifts may vary)

What You'll Do

• Develop engaging classroom activities that align with early learning standards and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Model effective teaching practices and provide coaching to support the success of the teaching team.
• Plan and lead age-appropriate activities that promote social, cognitive, and emotional growth in children.
• Communicate regularly with parents through progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, and informal discussions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment that adheres to center policies and state regulations.
• Supervise childcare assistants and volunteers to ensure they follow planned activities and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records, forms, and files to ensure seamless operations.
• Pursue ongoing professional development to enhance teaching skills and contribute to continuous quality improvement.

Requirements

A lead teacher in a center-based program shall have a high school diploma or equivalent, including but not limited to General Equivalency Diploma (GED), a High School Equivalency Test (HiSet), or a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), be at least 18 years old, and have one of the following:

(1) A minimum of 18 credits in related coursework, including at least 3 credits in child or human growth and development, plus a minimum of 1000 hours experience working with children in a licensed child care program or public or private elementary school;

(2) A minimum of 12 credits in related coursework, plus 3000 hours experience working with children in licensed child care program or public or private elementary school;

(3) Documentation of a non-expired child development associates (CDA) in center-based programs awarded by the council for professional recognition;

(4) A credential from a teacher preparation program accredited by MACTE;

(5) Five years as a licensed family child care provider with no enforcement actions imposed by the department;

(6) Successful completion of the New Hampshire Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program;

(7) A minimum of 1000 hours of supervised child care experience in a licensed child care program, documentation of successful completion of a 2-year vocational course in career and technical education with an additional 9 credits in related coursework; or (8) Documentation from or on file with the department that she or he was qualified for and employed in the position of lead teacher on or before November 6, 2017. 

Nice To Haves

• We welcome applicants with an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and experience working with children.
• First Aid and CPR Certification is a plus.
• Proficiency in Procare is also desirable.

Benefits

Full Time Employees

• Affordable Medical, Dental, & Vision are available on the 1st of the month after your first 30 days of employment.
• Employer paid Short Term Disability & Life Insurance.
• Vacation and Sick Time earned on the 1st of the month after your first 30 days of employment.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan for all employees that work 20+ hours a week.
• Discounts on childcare tuition rates (based on availability)
• Enjoy 8 paid holidays a year
• Staff Appreciation Weeks - a fun filled week of celebration our staff!
• 3 Program Development Days
• Access to Educational Grants
• SELA discounts on auto, electricity, phone, fuel, etc.

All Employees

• Employees who work 15+ hours accrue vacation and sick time, starting 1st of the month after your first 30 days of employment.
• Enjoy 8 paid holidays a year if scheduled to work on the day the holiday falls!
• Staff Appreciation Weeks - a fun filled week of celebrating our staff!
• 3 Program Development Days
• Fun & Family like atmosphere
• Access to Educational Grants
• Half hour paid lunch (if working over 6 hours)
• SELA discounts on auto, electricity, phone, fuel etc.

About Us

Great Bay Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality early childhood education and school age enrichment programs for children. Our early education facilities are located in Exeter and Portsmouth, NH with school age programs offered in Exeter and Portsmouth (Summer only).