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Position Summary: Early Childhood Program Specialist 3 ( Lead Teacher )  interacts with parents, practicum students, volunteers, and team members to guide the educational activities of children aged 12 months to 5 years in the Early Learning Center. Work is performed following Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) requirements (WACS), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, and Center Policies and Procedures which include Expectations and Code of Teaching Behavior, Health Care Policy, Emergency Procedures, Safety and College Policies. This position works under general direction from the Center Director and Assistant Director. 

Essential Functions

• The Lead Teacher guides children ages 12m to 5 years in developmentally appropriate practices using best practices as a guide to foster creativity, fine and gross motor development, cognitive skills, social and emotional development, language development, and independence and self-help skills.
• Implement guidance techniques that respect the individuality of each child. Respond to children with respect, courtesy and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth.
• Ability to assess each child's developmental progress using a valid, reliable, and recognized assessment tool. 
• Develop and implement learning experiences for children based on observations of children's interests and developmental needs. 
• Use of Smart Teach, ASQ, Child Plus; maintaining child educational files and related documentation. 
• Provide on the job training and mentoring to staff whose skill sets are in an earlier stage of development, such as, Practicum Students, work study students, temporary employees, and volunteers.
• Use computer literacy and knowledge to find teaching resources on the internet, use online time and leave system, maintain attendance record, design curriculum, prepare newsletters in a professional format, and check and respond to emails as it pertains to job functions. Also, perform these functions on smart technology such as phones and tablets. 
• Communicate with the Center Director and Assistant about information and insights that affect the program's efficient cohesive functioning.  This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.
• Communicate routinely with parents regarding the child's development.
• Function as a member of a team-oriented staff. Will lead, instruct, assign, and check the work of others. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training.
• Use opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise through professional development and training relating to Early Childhood Program Specialist position and training in environmental education and experiences for children.
• Complete ten hours of training annually.
• At times, families and visitors may tour your classroom, requiring the Lead Teacher to articulate program philosophies and early childhood education best practices.
• Understand and implement minimum licensing requirements as determined by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).
• Understand Early Achievers, Early Head Start (EHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and curriculum enhancements, and be able to communicate these programs to others.

• Perform related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the children and the functions of the Early Learning Center. 

   

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.

*-OR- *Associates degree with twenty (20) credit hours in early childhood development, special e