Lead Teacher for Infant room

Summary

The Lead Infant Teacher plans the daily activities and environment of the assigned classroom and supervises the implementation of those plans and the policies of the Early Learning Center.

Duties

• Operate a classroom of infants in accordance with Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) standards.
• Work directly with the ELC Director in the implementation of Creative Curriculum with special emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices and incorporating Virginia’s early learning development standards.
• Facilitate the development of the “whole” child, enhancing each child’s self-esteem and independence.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect, recognizing and considering the individual needs of each child in relation to cultural and socioeconomic background, handicaps, special talents and interests, style and pace of learning; communicate effectively and appropriately with the age group assigned.
• Provide a nurturing atmosphere for the children demonstrated by interacting on child’s eye level, sitting on the floor with children, providing appropriate physical contact for comforting and reassurance.
• Help children learn to think creatively, to solve problems independently, and to respect themselves and others.
• Work interactively with children in all activity areas in classroom or outdoors as assigned; implement and support Developmentally Appropriate Practices, providing a stimulating environment for the children.
• Prepare daily lesson plans for both inside and outside to include the following areas of learning: cognitive, gross motor, fine motor, social and self-esteem.
• Assist children in developing good personal hygiene, changing diapers, toilet training and washing of hands.
• Maintains structure and control of the classroom at all times including during episodes of children’s upsets and emergency situations.
• Follow all procedures and requirements as noted by DOE policy procedures and in accordance with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s licensing requirements to assure the safety of the children in your assigned environment, monitoring their safety at all times.
• Screen all children with appropriate developmental screening tools. Identify special needs in children and make referrals to Center Director or Child Development Specialist Implement Individual Education Plan and an Individual Needs Assessment.
• Implement limit setting for children according to the policies of the Center.
• Protect confidential information of both the child(ren) and families associated with the ELC.
• Prepare and maintain space and materials for classroom and outdoor activities. Provide supervision to assigned Assistant(s) and Classroom Aide(s) asking for input on lesson plan and classroom management, giving instructions and monitoring their duties.

Requirements

• CDA or equilivant Required
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with staff, families, and children in both written and oral formats.
• Possess basic computer skills to include Microsoft Word and use of email for correspondence. · Ability to lift 40 pounds. Good vision, hearing, mobility to work with children on the floor (up and down) with repetitive stretching and bending. Ability to walk up and down stairs, be outside for extended periods of time and ability to move children in cribs during emergencies. Ability to push a stroller for extended distances with multiple children in the stroller.
• Ability to meet all requirements for Employment Eligibility Verification.
• Prior to first day of working with children, complete CPR and first aid training, or present proof of CPR training within past year and first aid training within past three years. Update CPR training annually and first aid every three years. Those working with infants must have infant CPR completed and maintained.
• Possess a clear Virginia Central Registry check as dictated by the Code of Virginia 63.1-198.1. In addition, there must be a clear finding for other criminal offenses in the Virginia Criminal History record for not less than five years prior to date of service.
• Agree to flexible working hours.
• Demonstrate consistent pleasant disposition towards children, families and staff.

Benefits

$1500 bonus twice a year per DOE