Position Summary:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for day to day management of the teaching staff, classrooms, playground and general supervision of the facility. They are responsible for maintaining and encouraging a friendly and loving environment and the ongoing safety of children and staff. The Lead Teacher, in collaboration with the Executive Director and teaching staff, is responsible for planning and implementing curriculum and age-appropriate activities. They are an integral part of promoting the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child and maintaining a friendly, safe, and loving environment.  

Qualifications:

• Meet criteria of Title 22, Sections 101216.1; “Fully Qualified Teacher”, (attached) or Credentialed Teacher OR have extensive teaching experience (at least 3-5 years), preferably in early childhood education
• Fun, flexible, energetic, and enthusiastic
• Experience writing and implementing curriculum, highly skilled in both short term and long term lesson planning
• Possess an extensive working knowledge of best childcare practices and early childhood development
• Exceptional communication skills including writing, listening, and oral communication
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain confidentiality, exercise wisdom, reason, and patience, and make independent decisions within the scope of the position
• Ability to maintain a professional and friendly demeanor with strong leadership capabilities in: team building and staff relationships, teamwork, problem-solving, planning, organization, and implementation, building trust with staff, children and parents
• Ability to be empathetic and responsive to the concerns and needs of parents, guardians, children, and staff within the scope of YNPCCC’s mission, policies, procedures, capabilities, and Title 22 Health and Safety Regulations
• Hold or be able to obtain a certificate of completion of California Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training, a current CPR and First Aid certification, and pass a federal background check.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement daily, weekly, and monthly lesson plans and activities that promote child development and engage children in learning while striving to work within California Preschool Curriculum Standards
• Take children outside every day in all weather conditions
• Introduce children to the components and functions of ecosystems
• Promote nature exploration and instill a lifelong love of the outdoors
• Facilitate daily routines such as free play, snack, naps, and circle time
• Sing songs, read stories, play games, supervise play, and practice exceptional classroom management
• Support teaching staff by modeling superb classroom management, providing feedback to improve teachers skills, organize and facilitate staff meetings and teacher trainings
• Create weekly staff schedule and call in substitutes when staff are sick
• Communicate with parents regularly about their children's growth and progress as well as providing center and curriculum updates
• Organize and facilitate special events (holiday parties, special guests, etc.)
• Delegate tasks such as leading activities, taking supply inventory, restocking supplies, and basic cleaning of the facility
• Conduct and log emergency drills (fire, earthquake, rockfall, etc)

The Lead Teacher will:

• Adhere to all YNPCCC General Policies and Procedures, Personnel Handbook, Parent Handbook and Health and Safety Requirements as stated in Title 22 and provide leadership to teachers and volunteers in following them
• Lead and encourage teamwork, and promote consistency among staff in adhering to the schedules of YNPCCC, including the full scope of learning activities, facility upkeep, punctuality, snack and lunch protocol, staff breaks and parent/guardian communication systems
• Lead staff in consistently modeling best teaching practices based on the foundations of appropriate and balanced childhood development that utilize auditory, visual, tactile, and oral approaches; including but not limited to: art, language, math, science, eye-hand/coordination activities, music and movement, and role-play
• Consistently communicate with parents regarding children’s behavior, needs, accomplishments, etc
• Consistently communicate staff, child and/or family accomplishments and concerns to the Executive Director
• Receive guidance and work for resolution of staff, child and/or family, and facility needs in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Work with the Executive Director to handle other situations such as: Suspicious persons or behaviors near the grounds/facility, evacuation, suspected child abuse, severe and/or life-threatening injury to staff or children
• Immediately inform Executive Director of child, staff and/or facility maintenance concerns affecting the health and welfare of children and staff
• Receive calls from ill staff and secure substitutes (coordinate with other facility’s Lead Teacher and/or the Executive Director) as necessary to secure substitutes as needed

*Housing is provided with this position if desired*