Lead Teacher - Infant at 6600 in Cookeville, Tennessee

Job Description:

Job Summary:
The Lead Teacher plans and implements activities designed to promote social, physical and intellectual growth of the children under his/her care. They are role models and as such there are several attributes that are required. Lead teachers are responsible for the personal care, hygiene, learning and developmental activities, specialized programs, and discipline of the children. They must be approachable in their appearance, possess a positive attitude and a friendly outgoing personality. They maintain classroom records, cleanliness, and orderliness. Childcare has special demands in that we care for children, that in many instances, cannot care for themselves. It is critical that all employees holding the teacher position be mentally and physically fit to perform the duties outlined in this job description.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Philosophy Requirements:
· Supports and implements the Educational program in both classroom activities and routine conversation. Provides each child with opportunities for individual development.
· Prepares and follows weekly lesson plans, monthly newsletter, monthly calendar and daily activities appropriate for the developmental stages of each child.
· Provides Discovery Areas and uses a variety of materials and resources to enrich the areas including teacher-made materials and hands-on activities.
· Provides a positive, loving and nurturing environment for the children
· Is aware of inappropriate discipline, child abuse or neglect, whether it occurs at the center or we suspect it occurs elsewhere. Properly reporting any and all occurrences.
Classroom Environment:
· Maintains a Parent, Teacher and Art Board.
· Gathers and prepares sufficient supplies and equipment in advance or each day's planned activities.
· Decorates classrooms with appropriate materials.
· Maintains a classroom that is safe, neat, clean, attractive and ready for children.
· Personalizes cubbies as appropriate.
· Rearranges chairs and equipment for various activities when necessary, arranges cots\mats before and after nap time.
· Encourages family-style dining by modeling good manners, eating only center prepared food with the children, and providing a relaxed atmosphere encouraging conversations, teaching by example, and assisting with cutting food and feeding when necessary.
· Provides a restful atmosphere during rest time, including soothing, quiet music.
· Follows the disciplinary guidelines and handles disciplinary situations individually.
· Initiates and carries out large and small group activities with the children which may include participating in playground activities.
· Maintains cubby and shelf tops so that they are clean and free of clutter.
· Cleans classroom, outside play areas, and restrooms as assigned, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, etc.
· Teaches respect for classroom equipment and supplies by encouraging children to help maintain them.
· Provides constant supervision of all children, a child is never left alone, or left to be supervised by another child or parent.
Administrative Responsibilities:
· Completes and submits all records as required, including time sheets, developmental records, attendance sheets and accident reports and any other required materials.
· Attends all staff meetings, conferences, and Center events, as scheduled.
· Dresses in accordance with the dress code policy.
· Supports all policies and procedures as stated in the Staff Handbook and official memos.
Health and Safety Responsibilities.
· Checks diapers of children not toilet trained and lifts and carries children to changing tables to change diapers.
· Assists and instructs children in personal hygiene such as toileting face, hand washing, tooth brushing, hair combing and clothes changing. (As appropriate according to State Regulations).
· Cleans and sanitizes cribs (upending mattresses at the end of each day).
· Uses sanitary procedures for the storage of toothbrushes, bedding, clothing, etc.
· Is knowledgeable of and able to conduct emergency procedures including but not limited to: Fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, chemical leaks, CPR\First Aid, when necessary; including lifting and carrying injured children.
· Follows all safety and hygiene procedures including but not limited to lifting, carrying, climbing, diaper changing, toileting, hand- washing etc.
· Insures that all children can be seen at all times during sleeping\resting hours such as no coverage of heads with blankets, sheets, etc.
Additional Responsibilities:
· Asks for help and assistance when needed.
· Maintains positive and supportive business, licensing, and regulatory relationships.
· Works in harmony with other staff and shows enthusiasm toward the job. Handles routine situations with good judgment, flexibility, and good humor.
· Participates in and cooperates with group decisions; is a team player.
· Establishes and maintains a friendly, supportive rapport with the parents.
· Informs parents of the children's progress and is available to meet with parents during appropriate times.
· Provides ongoing positive customer service to all parents at all times.
· Sees situations from the children's point of view and shares the enjoyment of humorous situations.
· Encourages children to seek assistance and shows trust and confidence in them.
· Meets all requirements for van driving responsibilities, if applicable.

· Other duties as assigned. These may include but are not limited to washing dishes, taking out the trash, covering for another teacher in case of an emergency, answering the phone and taking messages, being responsible for cleaning closets & checking the laundry area for bedding