Lead Toddler Teacher

DescriptionPosition Description

The Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children from birth through age three. The Lead Teacher plans and implements responsive, relationship-based experiences that support children's physical, social-emotional, cognitive, language, and creative development.

The Lead Teacher provides leadership within the classroom, collaborates with assistant teachers and support staff, builds positive relationships with families, and ensures compliance with all program policies and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations. The Lead Teacher serves as the primary coordinator of classroom curriculum, daily routines, child assessments, and family communication.

Responsibilities and Duties

Child Development and Care

Provide responsive, individualized care that supports the unique needs of each child.
Establish nurturing relationships that promote children's sense of security, belonging, and well-being.
Support children's social-emotional development through positive guidance and relationship-based practices.
Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
Attend to children's daily care needs, including feeding, diapering, toileting, sleeping, dressing, and hygiene routines.
Recognize and respond appropriately to children's developmental, emotional, behavioral, and health needs.

Curriculum and Learning Environment

Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences based on children's interests, developmental levels, and individual needs.
Create engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments that encourage exploration, discovery, and play.
Incorporate opportunities for language development, sensory exploration, movement, problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction throughout the day.
Maintain classroom materials and learning centers that are safe, organized, inviting, and reflective of children's interests and cultures.
Support program philosophies, including play-based learning, relationship-based practices, and culturally responsive teaching.
Integrate Jewish values, traditions, and culture into classroom experiences as appropriate.

Assessment and Documentation

Observe and document children's development, interests, and learning experiences.
Complete child assessments, developmental screenings, and other required documentation in accordance with program expectations.
Use assessment information to inform curriculum planning and individualized support strategies.
Maintain accurate records related to attendance, daily routines, incidents, health information, and child development.

Family Engagement

Establish positive and professional relationships with families.
Communicate regularly with families regarding children's experiences, development, and daily routines.
Support family engagement activities and program events.
Collaborate with families to support children's individual needs and developmental goals.
Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Classroom Leadership and Team Collaboration

Provide guidance and support to assistant teachers, aides, floaters, and substitutes assigned to the classroom.
Delegate classroom responsibilities appropriately while fostering a collaborative team environment.
Model professionalism and developmentally appropriate practices.
Participate in classroom and program planning meetings.
Collaborate with administration and colleagues to support program goals and continuous improvement efforts.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

Ensure compliance with all OCFS regulations, program policies, and health and safety procedures.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
Conduct required health and safety checks and documentation.
Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow established procedures.
Participate in emergency drills, trainings, and required safety procedures.
Administer medication only when properly trained and authorized in accordance with program policies and regulations.

Professional Responsibilities

Attend staff meetings, trainings, conferences, and professional development activities as required.
Complete all required OCFS training and maintain required certifications.
Participate in program-wide events and activities.
Support the swim program and other specialty programming as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned by the ECE Director or Assistant Director.

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age or older

Bachelor's Degree in Education or something related, or Associates Degree in Human Services or CDA

Minimum of 1 year of paid or volunteer experience working with children

Must demonstrate an interest in working with young children, parents, and volunteers

Must demonstrate success in working as a member of a team

Must have effective and strong communication skills (written and oral)

Must demonstrate the ability to work well with young children

Possess a warm, loving, and nurturing personality

Familiarity with NYS OCFS regulations preferred

Must receive clearance by NYS OCFS at the time of hire

Physical Demands:

Good physical condition and strength.

Able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.

Able to walk, squat/kneel, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time

Able to see, hear, and speak with children to ensure their health and safety

We offer competitive wages and benefits including health insurance, discounts, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k, and free membership.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. This job description is to be used as a guideline to describe the current functions and requirements of the position. The job description may change at any time based on business needs and/or job reorganization.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.