Lead Teacher (Early Childhood Education)

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a classroom in a safe, structured, and engaging environment, fostering a love of learning in our students.
• Implement daily lesson plans and activities that are tailored to the needs of our students, promoting their social, emotional, and academic growth.
• Support the social, emotional, and behavioral development of our students, creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
• Maintain a clean and organized classroom, ensuring compliance with state licensing regulations.
• Communicate regularly with parents, keeping them informed about their child's day and progress.
• Supervise and support assistant teachers or aides, promoting a team-oriented approach to childcare.
• Ensure accurate attendance and daily documentation, maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
• Complete required ongoing professional development and training, staying up-to-date with the latest best practices in early childhood education.
• Bring relevant experience working with children in a childcare or preschool setting, applying your knowledge and skills to our center.
• Meet state licensing requirements for a Lead Teacher, demonstrating a commitment to quality childcare.
• Exhibit strong classroom management and communication skills, building positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate dependability, professionalism, and a passion for early childhood education, inspiring a love of learning in our students.

Requirements

Required Education and Qualifications

Candidates must meet the qualification requirements outlined in the VDOE Child Day Center (8VAC20-780) regulation and meet one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Education with endorsement in early childhood, elementary education, or special education.
• Bachelor's degree in a child-related field with required early childhood coursework.
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• Early Childhood Certificate (minimum of 30 semester hours of child-related coursework).
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent.

Experience Requirements:

• Experience aligned with education pathway per VDOE regulations.
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate curriculum.

Required Certifications

• Current CPR (Pediatric and Adult) certification.
• Current First Aid certification.
• Ability to pass all required Virginia background checks (Central Registry and Criminal History).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and supervise children for extended periods.
• Physical capability to respond to classroom and emergency situations.

Health and Safety Requirements

• Documentation of a negative TB screening per VDOE requirements.
• Completion and maintenance of Daily Health Observation (DHO) training.
• Completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training.
• Completion of Child Abuse and Neglect Training within required timelines.
• Compliance with communicable disease reporting and return-to-care policies.
• Ongoing compliance with all childcare health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Employment contingent upon meeting and maintaining all required screenings and trainings.

Nice to Have

Professional Standards

• Maintain the confidentiality of all child and family information, upholding the highest level of professionalism.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct at all times, ensuring a positive and inclusive environment for our students and families.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by Virginia law, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students.
• Uphold the mission and values of the Kids Academy CORE Foundation, inspiring a love of learning in our students and families.

Professional Development

• Complete annual training requirements per Virginia licensing regulations, staying up-to-date with the latest best practices in early childhood education.
• Participate in professional development related to early childhood education and STE(AI)M instruction, enhancing your skills and knowledge as a Lead Teacher.
• Maintain current knowledge of educational technology and innovative teaching practices, applying your skills to create engaging and effective lesson plans.
• Currently hold the position of a Lead Teacher, demonstrating leadership and experience in early childhood education.

Benefits

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