Lead Teacher

General Summary: Under the general supervision of the Morning or Afternoon Supervisor and accountable to the Program Director, the Childcare Lead Teacher will be responsible for the direct supervision of the children at the Center, develop appropriate activities for the children's ability level and ensure the safety and well-being of the children.

Position Classification : Non-Exempt

Reports to : Director of MHCC

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the planning, development, and implementation of classroom activities and curriculum aligned with developmental needs and individual service plans
• Leads daily classroom operations, ensuring a structured, engaging, and inclusive learning environment
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of the children in the assigned classroom
• Responsible for ensuring licensing requirements are met at all times
• Works directly with children to implement the Center's program
• Serves as a role model for children and supports positive behavior and social development
• Helps children with self-care needs (e.g., toileting, feeding, hygiene) while promoting independence and dignity
• Implements individualized supports and behavior strategies for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including incident reports, daily logs, and required licensing records
• Communicates effectively with families, caregivers, and team members regarding children's progress, needs, and concerns
• Provides guidance and support to Teacher Aides and substitute staff within the classroom
• Responsible for routine cleanliness of the classroom and Center as required
• Monitors and maintains required staff-to-child ratios at all times
• Participates in required trainings and maintains certifications in accordance with licensing and agency standards
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Director and/or Supervisors

• Ability to follow and implement established routines, lesson plans, and behavior support strategies.
• Ability to provide direct care, including assisting with activities of daily living (e.g., toileting, feeding, hygiene), while promoting independence and dignity.
• Ability to observe, recognize, and report concerns related to child health, safety, or development in a timely manner.
• Ability to maintain compliance with applicable licensing regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate patience, empathy, and sound judgment when working with children in a variety of situations.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced, child-centered environment.
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations and follow established safety protocols.
• Ability to complete required training and maintain certifications as required by licensing and agency standards.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must satisfactorily complete required trainings as specified by Licensing Standards.
• Staff shall be of good character and reputation; capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility.
• Capable of communicating with emergency personnel.
• Knowledge of the groups being served and skills specific to the special needs of the children in care including functional abilities, accommodations, assessment techniques, behavior management, and medical and health concerns.

Virginia Childcare Licensing 8VAC20-780-210. Program leader qualifications.

A. Program leaders shall be at least 18 years of age, have fulfilled a high school program completion or the equivalent, and meet one of the following:

1. Have one of the program director qualifications in 8VAC20-780-190 ;

2. Have an endorsement or bachelor's degree in a child-related field such as, but not limited to, elementary education, nursing, or recreation, from a college or university;

3. Have three months of programmatic experience and at least one of the following education backgrounds:

a. A one year early childhood certificate from a college or university that consists of at least 30 semester hours; OR

b. A child development credential by an organization listed in 22.1-289.048 of the Code of Virginia; OR

c. A teaching diploma from an internationally or nationally recognized Montessori organization; OR

4. Have six months of supervised programmatic experience.

a. Within six months before being promoted or beginning work or one month after being promoted or beginning work, a minimum of 12 hours of training shall be received related to the care of children, including but not limited to:

(1) Child development;

(2) Playground safety;

(3) Health and safety issues; and

(4) Preventing and reporting child abuse and neglect.

b. Such training may take place on site while not supervising children. Such training hours shall increase according to the following:

Program leaders hired or promoted after June 1, 2008

24 hours

B. For program leaders of therapeutic child day programs and special needs child day programs, at least three months of programmatic experience shall be in the group care of children with special needs.

Physical Qualifications

Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and floor sitting. Ability to lift, carry, and/or assist children up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and support mobility as needed. Must be able to actively supervise children, respond quickly in emergency situations, and engage in indoor and outdoor activities. Requires the ability to communicate effectively and to visually and auditorily monitor children at all times. May involve exposure to noise, bodily fluids, and typical childcare environmental conditions.

Work is performed in a childcare setting serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including classrooms, playgrounds, and community-based environments. The role requires active supervision and engagement in a fast-paced, high-activity setting, with regular exposure to noise, varying behaviors, and outdoor conditions. Responsibilities include assisting with personal care and maintaining a clean, safe environment in accordance with health, safety, and licensing standards. The position requires the ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and adhere to all agency policies and regulatory requirements.

We offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees to include Health, Dental, Vision and Life insurance options. Majority share of employee health premiums paid by the agency. Company sponsored Life, Short-Term, & Long-Term disability insurance; 403(b) and Paid time off (including personal time, paid holidays and sick leave).

Compensation details: 16.5-16.5 Yearly Salary

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