Description Purpose: To be responsible for the general supervision (of children and classroom staff) and management of one classroom by performing the duties necessary to provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating and educational environment for children. This includes allowing the children to grow at their own pace and gain in social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Reports To: Director, Assistant Director or other designated Administrator Supervises: Assistant Teachers Works as a Team with: Head Teacher in adjoining or designated classroom(s) • Jointly develops lesson plans and classroom activities with Head Teacher • Manages classroom in cooperation and conjunction with Head Teacher Requirements: • Able to observe, see, hear and respond to children's needs, emergencies and conflicts that might occur in a classroom, on the playground, other Center areas, or on field trips • Able to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist high table 25 - 30 times daily • Able to reach a child 20 - 30 feet away within 30 seconds • Able to crouch to a child's height, maintain eye contact at the child's level, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time on a regular basis • Good health as confirmed by a physician's statement and proof of being free of tuberculosis • New York State Registry clearance • Criminal History Fingerprint clearance Responsibilities: • Adhering to all policies and procedures of First Learning Child Care and the child care licensing regulations of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) • The care, safety and well-being of all children in the classroom, including attending to children's personal needs, e.g., diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, clothing, comforting, preparing for rest • Planning and implementing an age-appropriate, open-ended program which coincides with the philosophy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) • Preparing an inviting, clean and organized classroom environment with learning centers and hands-on activities which coincides with the philosophy of NAEYC • Delegating program responsibilities to an appropriate person in his/her absence • Interacting frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive and encouraging manner which follows the guidelines of NAEYC • Orienting and actively supervising children by overseeing both small and large groups of children • Developing parent relationships and communicating directly with parents on a regular basis,including classroom orientation, daily child activity reports, and at least biannual progress reports • Maintaining classroom records and keeping necessary written documentation • Maintaining knowledge of classroom children's allergies, advising all staff and acting accordingly • Maintaining a positive work climate, meeting deadlines and organizing classroom procedures • Communicating effectively and directly with other staff • Providing timely supervisor reports outlining needs, problems, suggestions for improvement, etc. • Supervising, training, coaching and developing staff assigned to the classroom • Measuring progress of children and staff and creating systems to improve, modify and remediate • Assisting supervisor and rendering staff support to all other classrooms and employees as necessary • Supervising and maintaining general housekeeping and repair of assigned areas and common space • Performing administrative duties as necessary for the classroom and Center operations • Maintaining current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY • Completing 15 hours of early childhood training within the first 6 months and every year thereafter Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Knowledge of NYS child care regulations • Knowledge of and ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices and age appropriate activities which correspond with NAEYC guidelines • Effective and tactful oral and written communication skills • Effective supervisory skills and role modeling practices • Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parents • Ability to use constructive methods for maintaining group control and individual behaviors • Ability to use sound judgment and tact • Ability to work on a team as a team leader • Ability to organize and problem solve effectively • Flexibility (especially in scheduling and practice to respond to the needs of the program) • Creativity and patience Training and Experience: Preschool Head Teacher • Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field, OR • Child Development Associate (CDA) or 9 college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field AND two years experience related to caring for children Infant / Toddler Head Teacher • In addition to the above, 1 year of specific training and/or experience in infant or toddler care OR • Infant / Toddler Child Care Credential School-Age Head Teacher • Associate’s degree in Child Development, recreation, or related field OR • High School Diploma AND two years experience working with children under 13 years of age AND • Demonstrated commitment to and interest in professional growth through education, work experience and involvement with the early childhood community.