Position Summary: The Lead Teacher is responsible for developing and implementing an ongoing program of activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child enrolled in his/her classroom. He or she is responsible for assuring compliance with codes of all state and local governing contract agencies and with all Life360 and Lighthouse program policies.Responsibilities and Duties:Develop lesson plans in accordance with weekly themes and implement age-appropriate curriculum to nurture and stimulate all areas of children's developmentProvide a healthy, safe, and clean classroom environment in accordance with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services sanitation guidelinesProvide developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects the children's learning and growthPerform ongoing developmental evaluations of children and adjusts classroom activities based on the individual needs of each childPlan and implement daily care routinesProvide responsive care to all children by adapting daily care routines based on individual needsProvide close and ongoing supervision of the children to ensure each child's health and safetyPrepare developmental progress reports as neededDemonstrate cultural competency and respect for each child's background by incorporating the cultural, linguistic, and familial values into the childcare program and lesson plansDevelop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-disciplineComplete child transition and orientation of the classroom with new parents/caregivers and maintain ongoing, open communication with parents/caregiversDevelop partnerships with parents/caregivers to engage and encourage parent participation in the programParticipate in periodical parent/teacher conferences to discuss children's developmental progress, needs, and interestsiCollaborate with center director, family support coordinator and other staff members in planning and participating in parent activitiesMaintain accurate, complete, and timely records including daily meal and attendance records for the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Maintain up-to-date emergency forms, curriculum plans, individual child development profile and other records as needed. Report any signs of child abuse to supervisor and/or child abuse hotlineProvide orientation, training, and guidance to staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers assigned to the classroomAssist with the supervision of staff and volunteers in the classroomReport all staffing and classroom concerns to supervisor in a timely mannerParticipate in ongoing professional development opportunities and obtain a minimum of 12 approved training hours per yearFollow all rules and regulations in the staff handbook and licensing rules for childcare centersMaintain proper classroom management at all timesAdhere to dress code as outlined in staff handbook and facility policyAny other duties that may arise for special events and/or circumstances not outlined in this descriptioni
