Job Classification: Non-Exempt

Reporting Relationship: Reports to Early Learning Center Director

Primary Accountability:

The Gove County Early Learning Center Lead Teacher I will implement activities and experiences, for one specific classroom, in accordance with facility curriculum and philosophy in order to foster learning in all areas of early brain development.    

Major Duties:

• Forms a solid working relationship with all staff throughout both childcare facilities. Communicates openly, honestly, and productively with all staff in regards to function of the facilities as well as caring for all children.  
• Forms solid connections with children throughout the facilities and their families. Communicates openly, honestly, and productively with all families on a daily basis. Completes thorough and accurate daily sheets and assessments as delegated. Holds parent meetings with Director when necessary.
• Implements daily activities in the classroom to help support early brain development in the following areas of early learning:
• Social Emotional
• Cognitive 
• Large Motor 
• Small Motor
• Sensory
• Art/Creativity
• Language
• Implements daily activities in the classroom that incorporate the following:
• A balance of active and quiet times
• Both large and small group activities
• Indoor and outdoor play
• Free and organized play times
• Meal times, snacks and tooth brushing  
• Naptime
• Keeps classroom and workspaces clean, sanitized and organized. Completes bulletin board, parent board, and classroom photo updates per policy.  
• Administers medication properly with accurate documentation.
• Handles behavioral issues in the classroom with consistency and compassion, supporting self-regulation skills in conjunction with the facility’s philosophy. 
• Maintains a consistent classroom schedule to support structure and security for kids in the room.
• Toilet trains and changes diapers in accordance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment regulations and facility protocol.
• Has the ability to multi-task various demands throughout the day, using time productively, asking and/or delegating when assistance is required, completing tasks thoroughly.
• Assists in general housekeeping tasks following proper cleaning protocol.
• Reports to Director any concerns in regards to the facility or care of children including, but not limited to, maintenance issues, suspected illness, child abuse or neglect, and/or hazards in play areas in a timely manner.
• Is punctual, reliable and flexible with hours scheduled.  
• Is able to implement monthly emergency drills of fire, evacuation and inclement weather with accurate recordkeeping. Responds in a calm and appropriate manner should an emergency event arise.
• Consistently upholds all Kansas Department of Health and Environment regulations for Lead Teacher I’s specific classroom as well as regulations that are facility-wide. Is survey ready at all times.
• Completes required yearly in-service hours in a timely manner and provides proper documentation for personnel file.
• Follows all Gove County Medical Center and Gove County Early Learning Center policies at all times.
• Upholds all expectations outlined by Director. 

Qualifications:

• Minimum of three (3) months experience preferred with children in a childcare setting but not required. On-the-job training and observation provided for qualified employees.
• Have the desire to help children grow, learn and explore in all areas of early childhood development.
• Complete KBI comprehensive and fingerprint background check. 
• CPR and First Aid certified or complete courses within first 30 days of employment.
• Have completed or able to complete 18 hours of initial early childhood required trainings per Kansas Department of Health and Environment regulations.  

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, lift, squat, kneel, climb, crawl and move freely without hindrances.
• Read computer screens, mail, email, and talk on the phone.
• Ability to hear clearly. 
• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly.
• Ability to perform CPR and administer first aid. 
• Minimal travel is expected for this position, usually only in the case of continuing education.

Work Environment:

• Majority of employment will be in a childcare center or group home daycare environment.
• Minimum amounts of time in professional hospital setting.
• Subject to frequent interruptions and last minutes changes.
• Will work with Director, co-workers, families and children 6 weeks-12 years of age.
• Hours subject to change due to status of families being served. 
• Subject to varying emotions and behaviors from children and their families. 

Additional Duties:

Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their Supervisor or assigned charge personnel.