Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher:
Infant‑Toddler OR Preschool

Position Summary:

To provide the best possible environment for children assigned to their classroom. Work cooperatively with the Childcare Director in teaching, program planning, and general operation of the Center. Provide training and leadership to staff in cooperation with the Director and assume responsibilities for the daily operation of the program. Continue to work on maintaining and improving the program as well as be current regarding standard updates and changes.

Childcare Director, Executive Director

Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Volunteers

$21 - $23 per hour

• High School diploma, AND
• 12 credits in Early Childhood Education (must be 4 different categories of study):
• 3 credits in Child Growth and Development; AND
• 3 college credits in program planning (Category
  2), early childhood curriculum (Category
  3), OR behavior management (Category
  4) (for lead teacher‑preschool); AND/OR
• 3 college credits in infant-toddler care and education (Category
  7) (for infant-toddler lead teacher certification).
• The remaining 6 credits may be in other early childhood education categories of study (not in Child Care Administration and other Leadership Categories).

• 36 months of experience if you have a high school diploma or G.E.D.; OR
• 27 months of experience if you have an EEC certificate (or equivalent in CT locations), Alternate Early Childhood Training Program, or an associate’s degree in an unrelated field; OR
• 18 months of experience if you have an associate's degree in a related field; OR
• 18 months of experience if you have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field; OR
• 9 months of experience if you have a bachelor's degree in a related field.

• 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 do the job.
• Evidence of mandatory vaccinations or immunity to communicable diseases (including TB).

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

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

• Ensure the health and safety of the children in the classroom.
• Ensure classroom practices are consistent with MA EEC or CT OEC laws and regulations at all times.
• Ensure classroom practices are consistent with all Playful Minds policies and procedures.
• Maintain daily classroom safety, organization, and cleanliness; includes washing, vacuuming floors, and other general light housekeeping tasks.
• Manage classroom such that it maintains MA EEC or CT OEC required child:staff ratios at all times.
• Ensure all dangerous material, equipment, or cleaning supplies are not within reach of children.
• Report all incidents and accidents to the Program Director, and complete all documentation.
• Notify the Program Director immediately in case of unreasonable behavior from staff, children, and parents, or of any parent complaints received.
• Plan for and practice monthly fire drills (rotating two exit routes monthly) and record in fire drill log.
• Care for room and equipment (report repair or replacement needs).
• Document all incidents and accidents.

• Implement classroom policies as outlined in each year’s Staff Handbook.
• Lead Staff Meetings and prepare all training with guidance from the Program Director.
• Assist Program Director with preparation and running of annual staff orientation and regularly scheduled staff meetings/professional development.
• Create icebreaker activities for all monthly staff meetings.
• Administer medication to children as prescribed by their physician and in compliance with EEC or OEC regulations.
• Plan for, clarify expectations, and oversee any assistant teacher, aide, or volunteer who may be assigned to classroom.
• Be aware of school days off and plan for extra staffing coverage.