Group Leader

Job title: Group Leader (School‑Age)

Organization: Playful Minds

Position summary: Provide the best possible environment for children assigned to your classroom. Work cooperatively with the Site Coordinator in teaching, program planning, and the overall operation of the center. Provide training and leadership to staff, assume responsibility for the daily operation of the program, and continuously maintain and improve the program while staying current with standards updates and changes.

Reports to & Supervisory Responsibility

• Reports to:
  
  School‑Age Lead Coordinator, Site Coordinator
• Supervisory responsibility:
  Assistant Group Leader

Salary Range

$17 to $20 per hour

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree AND 3‑months experience working with school‑age children; OR
• High School Diploma or GED AND 6‑months experience working with school‑age children, including 3‑months of supervised experience at a school‑age childcare program; OR
• 9‑months experience working with school‑age children, including 3‑months of supervised experience at a childcare program (with High School Diploma).
• 21 years of age or older.
• Evidence of medical physical within 1 year of employment and a statement from a physician that the applicant can perform the job.
• Evidence of mandatory vaccinations or immunity to communicable diseases (including TB).

On‑Going Education, Training, Certification

• Annual CPR and First Aid, Infant & Child.
• Maintain certification with MA EEC and/or CT OEC.
• Participate in required professional development annually.

Core Responsibilities

• All staff serve as mandated reporters as stipulated under state laws governing center locations.
• Ensure all children’s needs are met.

Classroom Oversight

• Ensure the health and safety of children in the classroom.
• Ensure classroom practices are consistent with MA EEC or CT OEC laws and regulations at all times.
• Ensure compliance with all Playful Minds policies and procedures.
• Maintain required child:staff ratios and never leave the room out of ratio or unattended.
• Maintain daily classroom safety, organization, and cleanliness.
• Keep dangerous material, equipment, or cleaning supplies out of children's reach.
• Report all incidents and accidents to the Program Director and complete documentation.
• Notify the Program Director immediately in case of unreasonable behavior by staff, children, or parents.
• Care for room and equipment, reporting repair or replacement needs.
• Document all incidents and accidents.

Staff Management

• Implement classroom policies as outlined in the Staff Handbook.
• Attend staff meetings and professional development sessions.
• Plan with and clarify expectations with the assistant teacher, aide, or volunteer assigned to the classroom.

Children Engagement

• Direct child guidance to maximize growth and development, protecting the group and individuals within it.
• Be responsive to children’s individual needs and support self‑esteem, self‑expression, autonomy, social competence, and school readiness.
• Support children in developing independence and self‑regulation.
• Maintain required child:staff ratios at all times.
• Know the whereabouts of every child.
• Prepare regular progress reports and submit to Program Director as scheduled.
• Maintain individual records as required by EEC or OEC.
• Use proper handwashing procedures before handling food, after diaper changes, blowing noses, using bathrooms, caring for a sick child, and handling animals.
• Apply reward charts and maintain consistent parenting guidelines.
• Never allow unauthorized persons to pick up a child from the center.
• Escort transportation children to and from vans/buses, ensuring the driver signs out on the Sign Off sheet.

Parent Communication

• Create monthly newsletters for families (Project Director review 1 week in advance).
• Be available for parent conferences as needed and requested.

Curriculum & Materials

• Make daily plans in keeping with the program philosophy and children’s needs.
• Create monthly bulletin boards.
• Supervise appropriate use of educational materials and supplies.

Other Responsibilities

• Cooperate with the Site Coordinator and other staff in center-wide activities.
• Greet and treat parents, children, and staff with kindness…