Lead Infant Toddler Educator

Job Description

Job Description

Position : Lead Infant/Toddler Educator (LITE)

Classification: Full-time, non-exempt  

Salary Range: HS 01-05 ($23.48 - $24.80 - $26.09 - $27.40*) 

*To be eligible for HS 05 the employee must have supervisory responsibilities for another LITE.

Hours : 40 per week 

Supervisor : Education Coordinator

Positions Supervised : Infant/Toddler Educator (ITE), Center Assistant

Mission Statement  

EightCAP, Inc., improves our community by collaborating with private, government, and community organizations to deliver programs that alleviate the causes of poverty and its effects, allowing individuals to become self-sufficient. 

Role Overview  

As a LITE, you are responsible for managing and supervising staff while ensuring that a safe, healthy and organized learning environment is created for both the children and adults through planning and implementing learning experiences through effective curriculum implementation and assessment. This position involves regular communication with children, families and staff, ensuring requirements and outcomes are met. You will support the social and emotional development of children by encouraging families to be actively involved in their children’s education and recognize a child’s parents/guardians are their first and most important teachers.

Key Responsibilities  

1. Supervision : Oversee and manage classroom staff ensuring the safety of the children, promoting their development, and maintaining a secure and stimulating environment.
2. Monitoring : Complete regular checklists to ensure the health and safety of the classroom environment including the Health and Safety screener, Playground Safety Inspection Checklist and daily monitoring of the classroom.
3. Professionalism : Comply with program confidentiality policies concerning personally identifiable information about children, families, and other staff members and must maintain professional boundaries with enrolled children and families at all times.
4. Compliance : Ensure that all classroom staff are following regulations and requirements of the Office of Head Start, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements to fidelity.
5. Reporting : Maintain accurate records including but not limited to attendance, CACFP mealtime documentation, in-Kind, communicable disease reports, participate in planning, conducting and documenting home visits and parent teacher conferences, share child outcomes, and evaluate progress towards individual child and family goals, reporting and suspected child abuse or neglect.
6. Communication : Serve as the primary point of contact to communicate positively with children, parents/guardians, teaching team, support staff, community partners, and supervisor.
7. Collaboration : Work professionally and cooperatively with staff, parents/guardians, volunteers, service providers and community partners to ensure smooth operations and address any concerns.
8. Emergency Preparedness : Be familiar with emergency procedures in order to respond effectively in the case of an emergency.
9. Professional Development : Actively participate in professional development and training opportunities ensure compliance with Head Start performance standards and Child Day Care Licensing Regulations.
10. Perform Other Duties as Assigned .
    

 

CORE Values at Work  

1. Accountability : The LITE will address all safety concerns or performance issues as soon as they arise, demonstrating a commitment to accountability and the well-being of the children, families and staff.
2. Communication : This position requires effective communication with staff, volunteers, parents, agency departments, community partners, service providers and supervisors. The LITE will communicate regularly with center staff regarding policy updates, licensing requirements and any changes that may affect the daily operation of the center.
3. Compassion : When challenges arise, the LITE will approach these situations with empathy, seeking to understand the root causes and working collaboratively to find solutions.
4. Empowerment : The LITE will clearly outline the responsibilities and expectations for each staff member and volunteer, ensuring everyone understands their role and responsibilities in regard to working with children and performance satisfaction.

Qualifications  

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or child development or a bachelor’s degree in a child-related Field (i.e., elementary education, child guidance/counseling, child psychology, family studies, or social work) with 18 semester hours in early childhood education or child development.
• Experience working with young children in an early childhood setting. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and positively and work collaboratively with staff, families, agency representatives, service providers, and community organizations in a respectful, professional, and non-judgmental manner.
• Understanding of mandated reporting requirements, including the ability to recognize, document, and report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with state law and program procedures.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in supervising other adults.
• Must successfully complete all required state and federal background clearances.

 

Work Environment

This position operates primarily within Head Start and Early Head Start classroom settings. The role requires regular interaction with children, families, staff, and community partners in a fast-paced early childhood education environment. The employee may be exposed to noise levels typical of preschool and infant/toddler classrooms and will participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions as part of daily program operations.

Travel Requirements

Local travel between program sites, training locations, meetings, and community events may be required. The employee must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation available for work-related travel.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The physical requirements of this position include:

• Ability to move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program facilities.
• Ability to supervise and actively engage with children in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Benefits 

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, medical flex, and a 401k with a 5% employer match on your one-year anniversary.  Benefits begin on your 31st day of employment.

 

Employment At-Will Statement

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employment with EightCAP, Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, consistent with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EightCAP, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.