Lead Teacher; Childcare Associate

The Childcare Associate reports to the Director of Little Govs University (LGU) and leads the daily learning environment for children ages 2½ to 5. The position plans and delivers developmentally appropriate instruction, supports classroom teachers, substitutes, and student workers, and serves as their first point of contact for curriculum and child behavior questions.

The Childcare Associate maintains a safe, welcoming classroom; communicates with families about each child’s experience; and ensures classroom practices and records meet applicable licensing and program standards.

• A warm, attentive approach to children and families, with sound judgment and consistent follow-through.
• Ability to guide colleagues, communicate clearly, and address classroom questions constructively.
• Commitment to inclusive, developmentally appropriate early childhood practice and positive guidance.
• Careful attention to children’s safety, documentation, confidentiality, and licensing requirements.
• Willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the continuous improvement of LGU.

• Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to classroom teachers, substitutes, and APSU student workers.
• Serve as the first point of contact for staff questions about curriculum, children’s behavior, and classroom concerns.
• Plan and conduct a child development program that addresses each child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
• Prepare and lead developmentally appropriate group and individual activities aligned with the Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards (TNELDS); post weekly lesson plans.
• Provide opportunities for conversation, imaginative play, creativity, thinking, and problem-solving.
• Use positive guidance to support children’s self-control and healthy relationships with others.

• Maintain constant supervision of children, arrange classroom space effectively, and ensure equipment is properly maintained.
• Carry out routines promptly and hygienically in ways consistent with child development practices.
• Create a welcoming classroom in which children feel comfortable and safe.
• Operate the classroom in compliance with applicable licensing standards, Tennessee assessment requirements, and environmental rating scale practices.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, including weekly lesson plans, family involvement documentation, observations, nap charts, and records required by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS).
• Use Procare daily for timekeeping, family communication, daily photographs, and name-to-face counts.

• Communicate with families daily about their children's experiences and participate in scheduled family conferences.
• Meet with the Director monthly and serve as the staff point of contact when the Director and Assistant Director are away from the center.
• Participate in staff meetings, workshops, in-service training, and Student Affairs Division meetings.
• Promote LGU’s philosophy and objectives, uphold the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, and complete ongoing professional development required by DHS and the center.
• Participate in center planning and improvement efforts.

• Maintain open communication with the Director and Assistant Director about classroom operations, children’s needs, family concerns, staffing matters, and opportunities to improve the program.
• Work with center leadership to coordinate classroom activities, family engagement opportunities, and center events.
• Use classroom materials and supplies responsibly and communicate resource needs to center leadership.
• Collaborate…