Lead Teacher

Responsibilities:

• Child Supervision & Care:

  • Ensures exceptional daily care for every child, upholding the highest standards of safety and education as per Michigan Licensing Regulations and center policies.

  • Maintain a safe and effective environment for academic and enrichment activities.

  • Engage in play in the classroom, on the playground, and on outings.

  • Monitor children's progress and behavior, providing feedback to the Director as needed.

  • Assist children with self-help skills such as eating, dressing, and toileting/diapering.

  • Support the development of children's first languages while simultaneously promoting proficiency in English.

  • Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, spend a lot of time playing on the floor, and keep up with active toddlers.

• Classroom Management & Environment:

  • Effectively manage classroom activity and promote responsible student behavior and decision-making.

  • Ensure children's safety through ongoing cleaning of the classroom and materials.

  • Prepare and serve snacks and meals.

  • Clean up after snacks, meals, and the center daily, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and bathroom cleaning.

  • Create an engaging environment that fosters a sense of belonging that kids want to be in.

• Administrative & Professional Development:

  • Fulfills all administrative requirements, including tracking daily student attendance, logging meals & snacks provided, and reporting to the Director.

  • Comply with all State of Michigan Licensing Regulations & Safety Standards.

  • Comply with all of Crawford AuSable Day Care & Preschool’s policies & procedures.

  • Completes 16 clock hours of professional development training on a yearly basis, including provided and paid for First Aid and CPR , and potentially Blood-Bourne Pathogens, Shaken Baby, Safe Sleep, Child Development, Teaching and Observing, Special Needs, Interactions and Guidance, and Assessments. The center may also pay for additional CEUs with prior authorization.

  • Be prompt and ready to work on a daily basis.

Qualifications:

• Education/Certification:

  • CPR Certification and First Aid (or willingness to obtain).

  • Blood Borne Certificate (or willingness to obtain).

  • Current TB Test (or willingness to obtain).

  • Infant care experience preferred.

  • Required: Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate's Degree in Child Development or a related field, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.

  • Significant opportunities for increased earnings based on educational attainment: Lead Teachers with a CDA, Associate's, or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field receive a significantly higher starting wage, with Bachelor's degrees earning the highest. Staff are strongly encouraged to continue their education, and raises will be given upon completion of these credentials.

  • Must be able to pass a Comprehensive Background Check and be Fingerprinted.

• Skills & Abilities:

  • Positive Behavior Guidance: Ability to implement effective techniques to promote responsible student behavior and decision-making across all age groups.

  • Curriculum Implementation: Proficient in effectively implementing age-appropriate curriculum and program activities.

  • Classroom Management: Skilled in effectively managing classroom activity to maintain a safe, engaging, and orderly learning environment.

  • Child Engagement & Play Facilitation: Ability to actively engage with children in play, fostering their learning and development.

  • Interpersonal Communication: Excellent communication skills to maintain consistent and effective interactions with children, parents, and colleagues.

  • Adaptability & Flexibility: Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to changing program needs and diverse age groups, especially given the balanced calendar.

  • Observation & Assessment: Capacity to observe children's development and behavior to inform care and learning strategies.

  • Safety & Cleanliness Standards: Diligent in ensuring children's safety through adherence to State of Michigan Licensing Regulations & Safety Standards and ongoing cleaning of the classroom and materials.

  • Dependability & Punctuality: Consistently prompt and ready to work on a daily basis , understanding the importance of maintaining staff-to-child ratios.

  • Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with teachers and parents as part of a cohesive team.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, Part-time positions available.

• Schedule may include 10-hour shifts , 4-hour shifts , afternoon shifts , and day shifts. While shifts may vary, employees are generally scheduled based on the needs of the center and state-mandated staff-to-child ratios.

• Monday to Friday.

• No weekends.

• Work Location: In person.

Compensation:

• Starting pay from $13.50 per hour (CDA/Associate's) or $15.00 per hour (Bachelor's).

• Paid Sick Leave

• CEU reimbursement program

• Bonus Opportunities: Up to 3% of the annual salary for employees employed for the entire year