Chandler Early Learning Center; CELC Lead Teacher

Chandler Early Learning Center Lead Teacher

The Lead Teacher provides responsive, developmentally appropriate care and education for infants and toddlers through relationship-based, whole-child practices. This position leads classroom teaching, collaborates closely with families, and ensures environments that honor children's curiosity, autonomy, and emerging competencies. The Lead Teacher upholds State Child Care Licensing requirements, contributes to NAEYC accreditation efforts, and models SCCAP's commitment to empowering people to reach their potential in all interactions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Safety & Supervision

• Ensures children are never left unattended and actively monitors the classroom to maintain a safe, secure environment.
• Provides responsive, respectful care during routines such as diapering, toileting, feeding, and comforting, honoring each child's autonomy and developmental needs.
• Implements individualized feeding plans and supports children in developing healthy attitudes toward food and eating in line with responsive feeding practices.
• Reports suspected child abuse or neglect immediately in accordance with state law and SCCAP policy.

Teaching & Child Development

• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports each child's emerging interests, individuality, and whole-person growth.
• Observes and documents children's development to inform intentional, relationship-based teaching.
• Collaborates with specialists and early intervention providers to support children with IFSPs and integrate recommended strategies into everyday routines.
• Provides leadership and coordination within the classroom teaching team to ensure a cohesive, respectful, and reflective learning environment.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Maintains regular, meaningful communication with families about classroom experiences, routines, and each child's development.
• Conducts at least two family–teacher conferences per year with appropriate documentation.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains accurate records of attendance, incidents, meals, family communication, and other required documentation.
• Ensures all classroom practices comply with SCCAP policies, Indiana Childcare Licensing, CACFP, and NAEYC accreditation standards.
• Collaborates with supervisors, coordinators, and other staff to support consistent, high-quality classroom operations.

Education & Experience

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA credential for Infant and Toddler Caregivers, or advanced degree with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education.
• Relevant experience working directly with infants and toddlers in early childhood classroom settings.
• Commitment to following developmentally appropriate, evidence-aligned best practices for the care and education of infants and toddlers.
• Familiarity with relationship-based, respectful approaches that emphasize responsive caregiving, early learning, and whole-child development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate a classroom teaching team, guiding daily routines, fostering intentional, reflective practice, and maintaining a cohesive, respectful environment.
• Experience observing, assessing, and responding to children's developmental, emotional, and social needs.
• Proven experience communicating effectively with families and collaborating with colleagues and specialists to support children's individualized learning.
• Strong reading, writing, and basic math skills; able to use computers and mobile devices for communication and documentation and to learn new software used in early childhood programs.
• Bilingual skills are an asset and may enhance communication with families, though not required.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Must maintain the integrity of confidential employment, client, and business information.
• Must be philosophically aligned with SCCAP's mission and the Chandler Early Learning Center's approach to early learning, child development, and viewing children as whole, capable individuals.
• Ability to apply professional judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills to support safe, respectful, and…