Job Details: Job Location: Main Headquarters - Albany, NY, Salary Range: $19.00 - $22.00Hourly, New Hire Hiring bonus up to $2,000 in your first 90 days! The Early Education Lead Teacher is responsible for the academic, social-emotional growth and development of all children in their care, which may include toddlers and/or preschool age children; develops partnerships with birth parents/child’s caregivers to engage and encourage parent participation in program. Lead Teacher is also responsible for assuring compliance with codes of all State and local governing contracting agencies; and works collegially with other staff members. This is a full time, 12 month position.   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES     o    Perform duties as planned under the leadership of the Early Childhood Director. o Greet each child in assigned group  o    Maintain open, friendly, and cooperative relationships with each child’s family, and encourage their involvement in the program  o    Daily attendance reports o Maintain a safe environment based on safety standards set by the program o Daily planning and execution of all classroom and outdoor activities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving; appropriate to the developmental levels of the children  o    Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of children, with an emphasis on language development and emergent literacy skills  o    Encourage children to participate o Play with the children, including getting down on the floor to interact with children.  o    Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials appropriate to the developmental levels of the children  o    Support the social and emotional development of children  JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES        o    Knowledge of child development theory and best practices in early childhood group care and education.  o    Early Child Development knowledge and experience.   o    Knowledge in Desired Results, Developmental Appropriate Practices.   o    Knowledge of State Subsidized Program Requirements for Center Programs.   o    Good communication, problem solving, and priority setting skills as well as maintaining an overall positive and professional attitude /disposition.   o    Ability to effectively plan, organize and implement educational activities.    o    Must be able to manage confidential information.  We offer the following Benefits -Health, Dental, Vision, Flex plans (1st of the month following 30 days); -Retirement and Matching Plans -Paid Lunch; Paid Vacation, Sick and Holidays; Paid hours/days for Closures due to Weather Qualifications: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  o    Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education Required, minimum of CDA   o    First aid/CPR certificate o    Satisfactory completion of background check. o    At least 3-5 years’ experience working in an early childhood setting with at least 1-2 years of head teacher experience  o    Experience working with persons from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. o    Must be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the children and the program o    Exemplary written and spoken communication skills o    Strong collaboration skills; able to work well with a team o    Effective multitasker; can prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines o    Must pass background check before starting employment  PHYSICAL DEMANDS  o    Lifting and carrying children up to 25 pounds o     Close contact with children o     Direct supervision of children  o    Diaper changing, Assisting children with toileting and hand washing, Ability to interact with children on the floor    OTHER   o    Assist with fundraising events as needed  o    Spearhead or assist on special projects as may be assigned o Perform other duties as assigned