MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Associate’s Degree and two (2) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Grade 3 (Salaried)

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Early Childhood Teacher I (also referred to as Lead Teacher) is responsible for the safety, health and educational development of young children and ensure that the policies and procedures of the Early Learning Campus are followed. This position is a role model in implementing Early Childhood best practice standards, current brain-based research and Reggio Emilia inspired practices.
This position is responsible to apply the guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and to conduct classroom self-assessment and improvement procedures using the Infant/Toddler or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales.
This position is responsible for demonstrating knowledge of positive discipline practices when managing classroom behavior and interacting with young children and will seek additional resources for children who experience difficulties. This position is responsible for the supervision, delegation of duties to staff and direction of classroom activities to ensure quality programming. This role will provide input for classroom staff members’ annual evaluations, document concerns and actions taken to address concerns, and inform management of unresolved issues. This position must be able to interact with and engage children as well as adults.
This role must have strong time management, early childhood teaching, and staff supervision skills.
Kentucky State Child licensing standards require all new staff to complete 6 hours of childcare orientation within the first 90 days of employment. All staff must complete a minimum of 15 hours of state approved training each year before hire date anniversary and maintain current TB test.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, submit and implement weekly lesson plans that reflect the needs, desires and interests of the children and reflect the philosophy of the program including Reggio Emilia inspired activities, long-term projects and research-based learning opportunities.
• Provide opportunities for classroom Assistants to help plan and implement the curriculum.
• Demonstrate knowledge of positive discipline practices when managing classroom behavior and interacting with children and seek additional resources for children who experience difficulties.
• Supervision, delegation of duties of staff, and direction of classroom activities to ensure quality programming and safe sanitary environments and to ensure that classroom staff members follow all policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Provide input for classroom staff member annual evaluations, document concerns and actions taken to address concerns, and inform management of unresolved issues.
• Consistently follow and ensure that all classroom team members adhere to Kentucky Childcare Regulations, Kentucky All Stars Quality criteria, and National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation criteria.
• Develop and maintain positive, professional, and collaborative relationships with families through face-to-face and digital interactions. Write and submit a parent newsletter at least monthly. Conduct family conferences to share documentation of development at least twice yearly.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year verifiable full time paid experience working directly with children in a school-based program, early childhood development program or licensed/certified childcare program.
• Knowledge of Kentucky State Early Childhood Standards and Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum is preferred.

Competencies

• Analytical - evaluating child observation documentation and other information with the ability to choose the best solution and make recommendations.
• Proactive - anticipates and plans for problems before they arise.
• Work Ethic - motivated, diligent, industrious, and persistent in the workplace, works at a fast pace to ensure optimal engagement and supervision of children.
• Interpersonal - can build effective, strong working relationships with children, colleagues, and families through listening, trust, communication, and respect for diversity and privacy. Can address issues effectively.
• Child Focused - prioritizes children’s needs, interacts with patience, kindness, and positivity.
• Flexible - ability to change directions as needed for the good of the children, department, or organization.
• Service Excellence - responsive, pleasant to work with, aware of multiple view points.

• Design, submit and implement weekly lesson plans that reflect the needs, desires and interests of the children and reflect the philosophy of the program including Reggio Emilia inspired activities, long-term projects and research-based learning opportunities.
• Provide opportunities for classroom Assistants to help plan and implement the curriculum.
• Demonstrate knowledge of positive discipline practices when managing classroom behavior and interacting with children and seek additional resources for children who experience difficulties.
• Supervision, delegation of duties of staff, and direction of classroom activities to ensure quality programming and safe sanitary environments and to ensure that classroom staff members follow all policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Provide input for classroom staff member annual evaluations, document concerns and actions taken to address concerns, and inform management of unresolved issues.
• Consistently follow and ensure that all classroom team members adhere to Kentucky Childcare Regulations, Kentucky All Stars Quality criteria, and National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation criteria.
• Develop and maintain positive, professional, and collaborative relationships with families through face-to-face and digital interactions. Write and submit a parent newsletter at least monthly. Conduct family conferences to share documentation of development at least twice yearly