Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher

Overview
A lead Infant/Toddler teacher at The Goddard School is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment. Additionally, a lead teacher is responsible to work together with an Assistant Teacher and in conjunction with the entire faculty.
General Qualifications
A lead teacher must meet the qualifications of California state and the following qualifications:

• The ability to understand and support the education program using “learning through play” philosophy.
• The ability to comply in all respects with all applicable laws and regulations relating to childcare.
• The ability to handle crisis situations, including assisting in evacuating the building during emergencies; and
• The ability to change children’s diapers and/or assist in toileting (where necessary);
• The ability to keep children within sight and sound supervision at all times.
• The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with school personnel, children and parents.
• The ability to understand and comply with the franchisee’s employment policies.
• The ability to interact closely with children at their level.

Educational Qualifications
All candidates who wish to be considered for the position of lead teacher must meet one or more of the following criteria, in addition to any/all requirements that may be mandated by their state and/or local licensing authorities:

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8.
• A current CDA or Early Childhood Teaching Credential.
• An associate degree or higher in a related field, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8.
• Proof of current and active enrollment in an accredited Associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• An associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development or a related field.
• Infant Teacher should have 3 infant units and 12 ECE units.
• 12 ECE units including the core classes to qualify for a teacher position or 9 ECE units including the core classes and being enrolled in a three-unit ECE course to qualify to a teacher/assistant teacher position.
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development.
• Proof of current and active enrollment in a CDA Credentialing Program.

Teacher Responsibilities
A lead teacher’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Establish and maintain a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment

• Design an appropriate room arrangement to support the goals and developmental level of the children in the classroom.
• Perform minor cleaning responsibilities (e.g., spills) immediately.
• Develop an appropriate classroom management system to support the goals and developmental level of the children in the classroom.
• Ensure that classroom equipment is in good repair.
• Ensure that children are always within state ratio requirements.
• Post a classroom schedule that meets the needs of the children and includes a routine and learning opportunities.
• Post and adhere to all GSI Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Promote healthy eating practices at lunch and snack times.
• Understand and implement The Goddard School® emergency procedure(s).
• Perform major cleaning during times when children are not present.

Advance children’s physical and intellectual competence

• Provide a reasonable balance between teacher-directed and child-directed activities.
• Create a print-rich environment for children to learn about books, literature and writing.
• Present age- and developmentally-appropriate expectations for all children.
• Integrate GSI-approved resources (including Enrichment Programs) into lesson plans.
• Provide opportunities for both active and quiet play.
• Interact with the children to support play, exploration and learning.
• Create a multi-cultural learning environment.
• Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to engage children in learning.
• Adapt program to meet the individual needs of each child.
• Encourage children to talk with each other and with the faculty.
• Encourage creativity through art, music, dramatic play and blocks.

Support each child’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance

• Encourage empathetic and respectful feelings for others, as well as the environment, through positive modeling.
• Respect cultural and ethnic diversity.
• Plan and implement activities to enable children’s feeling of security.
• Understand and adhere to the GSI Behavior Policy.
• Plan and implement activities to develop children’s self-esteem and social skills.

Establish positive and effective family relations

• Maintain a portfolio for each child.
• Prepare a Daily Activity Report for each child.
• Encourage families to become an integral part of their children’s learning experiences.
• Communicate, in a professional manner, with families and faculty.
• Maintain the classroom Parent Board.
• Provide opportunities (e.g., conferences) in which families are made to feel a part of their children’s learning experiences.

Ensure an effective program, responsive to children’s needs

• Perform child observations and document in their portfolios.
• Use assessment tools (e.g., Progress Reports, Children’s Progress).
• Develop lesson plans.
• Build teamwork.
• Manage classrooms according to GSI QA Standards.
• Assess supplies and materials needed to implement activities.

Maintain professional commitment

• Attend faculty meetings, in-service days, conferences and professional growth opportunities.
• Pursue professional development/continuing education.
• Support a code of ethical conduct.
• Promote “learning through play” philosophy and educational objectives.

To be considered for the open position you must have:

• Complete California state required health clearance.
• A current physical examination by a Physician, including a current tuberculin test.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Must submit accurate shot record including MMR, T-dap and Influenza.
• Mandated Reporter Certification.
• An approved criminal record check as required by state regulations.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• ACTIVE and CLEAR DOJ LIVESCAN REQUIRED.
• Minimum of 6 months working experience in a large center environment.

Benefits after Probation period

• Monday to Friday - 8 hour shift
• Health insurance
• No weekends
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Sick Time off
• Referral program
• Paid time off
• Life insurance

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.