The Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for infants while ensuring compliance with all Ohio Department of Children & Youth (DCY) licensing regulations and Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) standards. The Lead Teacher plans and implements curriculum, monitors each child's developmental progress, maintains accurate documentation, and builds positive relationships with families through ongoing communication and parent-teacher conferences.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Child Care & Supervision:
- Provide a safe, healthy, loving, and secure environment for all infants.
- Maintain constant supervision and active engagement with children at all times.
- Meet each child's individual physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
- Follow all health and safety procedures, including safe sleep practices, diapering, handwashing, sanitation, and emergency procedures.
- Ensure classroom ratios and supervision requirements are maintained at all times.
Curriculum & Learning:
- Develop and implement weekly developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards.
- Create engaging learning experiences through play, exploration, music, sensory activities, language development, and fine and gross motor activities.
- Individualize learning experiences based on each child's developmental level and needs.
- Maintain an organized, stimulating, and inviting classroom environment.
Child Assessment:
- Complete ongoing observations and developmental assessments.
- Administer and document Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) as required.
- Maintain accurate child portfolios and developmental records.
- Monitor developmental milestones and communicate concerns appropriately with administration and families.
Family Communication:
- Establish positive, respectful relationships with families.
- Provide daily communication regarding children's activities, meals, naps, and developmental progress.
- Conduct scheduled parent-teacher conferences.
- Maintain confidentiality of all children and families.
Classroom Management:
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitized classroom.
- Ensure toys, materials, and equipment are disinfected according to DCY requirements.
- Maintain classroom inventory and report needed supplies.
- Create attractive learning centers that promote exploration and development.
Documentation & Compliance:
- Maintain accurate attendance records and daily classroom documentation.
- Complete required reports, observations, and developmental records on time.
- Ensure full compliance with DCY licensing regulations and Step Up To Quality standards.
- Participate in licensing visits, classroom observations, and quality improvement initiatives.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Attend required staff meetings, professional development, and trainings.
- Maintain current certifications and required professional development hours.
- Collaborate positively with coworkers and administration.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and punctuality.
- Serve as a positive role model for children, families, and staff.
Qualifications:
Required:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- CPL Level 3 or higher.
- Ability to pass Ohio BCI/FBI background checks.
- Knowledge of Ohio Department of Children & Youth (DCY) licensing regulations.
- Experience with Step Up To Quality (SUTQ).
- Experience writing lesson plans.
- Experience conducting developmental assessments.
- Knowledge of Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ).
- Experience conducting parent-teacher conferences.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Verifiable professional references.
Preferred:
- CDA, Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Minimum of two years of experience working with infants in a licensed childcare center.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong understanding of infant development and early learning.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent classroom management skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication.
- Strong observation and documentation skills.
- Ability to build trusting relationships with children and families.
- Commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently lift and carry children up to 40 pounds.
- Sit, kneel, bend, and move quickly throughout the classroom.
- Participate in indoor and outdoor activities.
- Push strollers, move classroom equipment, and assist children during emergency evacuations.
Core Expectations:
The Lead Preschool Teacher is expected to create an environment where Preschooler children are safe, loved, encouraged, and supported while promoting school readiness through developmentally appropriate learning experiences. The successful candidate demonstrates professionalism, compassion, reliability, and a commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education that meets the standards of both the Ohio Department of Children & Youth and Step Up To Quality.