Lead Teacher

Position Overview: The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, organizing and implementing curriculum that meets the developmental needs of the children in the program. The Lead teacher communicates with parents, documents children’s developmental progress and supervises other FitKids staff. The Lead Teacher will follow all NH State rules and regulations for childcare and reports directly to the Director or Associate Director any problems, concerns or questions.

Key Accountabilities:

• Arrive 5 minutes prior to the shift and be prepared to start your workday on time.
• Be familiar with, and follow, the Rules and Regulations set by the New Hampshire Childcare Licensing Bureau.
• Complete the requirements for a Lead Teacher position according to the New Hampshire Childcare Licensing Bureau; including fingerprinting, background checks, orientation, etc.
• Keep up to date with training hours required according to NH licensing.
• Use Procare and the NH Early Learning Standards for the assessment and documentation of children within the classroom.
• Be responsible for meeting the minimum of 1 observation per child in the classroom per week through Procare and share with families.
• Complete developmentally appropriate curriculum based on the NH Early Learning Standards at least one week in advance.
• Send out weekly email to families and curriculum at least bi-weekly.
• Encourage children to develop self-help skills appropriate to their age.
• Interact with children, families, and staff in a positive, respectful, friendly, and caring manner.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff.
• Conduct parent/teacher conferences as required or requested.
• Welcome new families by calling or emailing the family. Invite them to the center for a visit prior to start date.
• Supervise teachers in assigned classroom, conduct staff performance evaluations and delegate responsibilities.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity.
• Read incident reports completed by other staff to ensure accuracy before release to the child’s parent.
• Help with staffing coverage and schedule changes as necessary.
• Be a role model for other FitKids staff.
• Become familiar with the center routine and ensure that it is followed, including known allergies, medications, etc. for children and staff.
• Maintain classroom arrangement that is attractive, well-organized, and has functional arrangements for children to use.
• Signs in/out on Procare each time a classroom is entered or left for coverage.
• Communicate any problems, concerns, or questions to the Director or Assistant Director.
• Always ensure safety and well-being of children and staff. Take regular head counts of children.
• *Provide guidance and re-direction when required; emphasize positive reinforcement; illustrate proper behavior and skills.
• Welcome children & parents upon arrival and departure. Discuss with parents daily events and any problems or concerns.
• Perform all tasks related to the well-being of children, including but not limited to feeding, holding, diapering and playing with each child.
• Actively contribute to general upkeep and tidiness of classroom. Perform housekeeping tasks such as washing dishes and toys, sanitizing and other cleaning tasks.
• Adhere to all policies within the Woodrow Fitness employee handbook and the Woodrow Fitness Safety Protocols.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service days.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• 18 credits in child development, early childhood or elementary education, including at least 3 credits in child growth and development or non-expired Child Development Associates (CDA) required.
• 2 or more years of professional teaching experience
• Must meet NH licensing requirements for a Lead Teacher
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• CPR and First Aid certification required

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Safely lift small children up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, stoop and kneel frequently to assist children.
• Ability to sit on the floor with children.
• Tolerance of loud noise
• Exposure to bodily fluids
• Ability to withstand strong odors.

Employees may be asked to help out in other classrooms or areas of FitKids. Cooperation is assumed and required. All staff members will work together to provide the superior service that FitKids bases its reputation on. As an employee of FitKids, you will be a positive representative both on and off the clock and will always speak highly of the services we provide.