Lead Teacher

Location(s):

• Empower Campus

Reports To: ELA Director

EEO Classification: Service Workers

Job Type: Non-Exempt

Direct Reports: Assistant Teacher

Summary:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for supporting the operations of the classroom by enforcing rules, following established lesson plans, and ensuring a safe environment. This position will provide structure and guidance to children, staff, and families. They will work closely with the Assistant Teacher in establishing and leading educational, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for children in the Early Learning Academy (ELA) programs. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee classroom operations, including lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and reporting supply needs to the ELA Director.
• Follow all state licensing and BGCA rules and regulations including maintaining required staff to child ratio in classroom.
• Maintain constant awareness of all children in the classroom through active supervision, including scanning, moving strategically, using name-to-face counts and engaging with children at all times.
• Guide and support Assistant Teachers in the classroom by providing clear feedback, direction, and mentorship to ensure a positive and effective learning environment.
• Coordinate with Assistant Teachers on execution of lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Lead a variety of age-appropriate activities to support children's physical and intellectual development.
• Provide materials and resources to promote physical, mental, and social growth through play, art, music, and storytelling.
• Assist with diapering, potty training, and regulating rest/nap schedules.
• Serve balanced meals and snacks and comply with CACFP meal counts and production records.
• Ensure a safe environment by monitoring children's play and sanitizing toys and equipment.
• Perform light housekeeping tasks (classroom cleaning, laundry, cleaning, changing linens).
• Collaborate with leadership to provide indoor and outdoor spaces for creative play and motor-skill development.
• Maintain records of daily activities, meals, medications, and observations for each child.
• Communicate with parents/guardians about children's daily activities, behaviors, and concerns.
• Use electronic devices including ProCare for daily reporting.
• Assist with bus loading/unloading on field trips. 
• Guide positive behavior, enforce discipline, and document/report incidents to the ELA leadership.
• Conduct child assessments, maintain portfolios, and participate in parent-teacher conferences.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Welcome new members, introduce them to the facility, and encourage participation.
• Responsible for all other duties and tasks assigned by ELA leadership. 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Infant and Toddler Classrooms-
• An Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s Degree or higher in a relevant field is preferred. 
• Preschool and Pre K Classrooms-
• A Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s Degree or higher in a relevant field is preferred.
• Previous experience in childcare or another caregiving role is preferred. 
• BGCSE encourages all lead teachers to pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential to further their professional growth and offers support to employees interested in enrolling in a CDA program.
• A valid CPR Certification or the ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification within 90 days of employment is required. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire does provide this training for those not certified.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

• Must be reliable with good attendance and consistency to be on time.
• Time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize duties, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Constant hearing, hand-eye coordination, mind-eye coordination.
• Intermittent speaking, standing, walking, kneeling, lifting, reaching, low-level activity, and squatting.
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases.
• Frequent lifting of objects under 20 pounds, and occasional lifting of items up to 75 pounds.
• Indoor with minimal outdoor work. Extreme temperatures in the summer and winter to be expected.

Pre-Employment Screenings:

• Pre-employment screenings may include, but not limited to, the following: drug screen, criminal background check(s), child abuse/neglect screening(s), driving history screening(s), and reference checks.

The information presented in this document indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain or represent a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. This position may be cross trained to work in other functions of the organization, and additional requirements including work environment and physical may apply in those instances. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire reserves the right to change, add, or remove any components at any given time, with or without notice.