Lead Infant Teacher
JOB SUMMARY
The Lead Teacher is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team to implement a nature-based curriculum and manage daily operations within the classroom at Wildflower Nature School (WNS). The Lead Teacher observes and documents each child’s developmental milestones using an observational assessment system to determine each child’s progress throughout the school year. Communication skills with both children and adults is required to maintain relationships with families, effectively guide co-teachers, and resolve parental concerns.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards
Encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching
Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive, and emotional development
Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences
Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met
Ensure a healthy classroom environment - including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children
Supervise co-teachers and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards
Maintain accurate records, forms, and files
Maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent communication and instructional skills and basic computer skills
Committed to upholding WNS’ mission, vision, and values
Work with NAEYC code of ethics in mind and integrity
Shows sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity
A strong understanding of child development
Ability to be discreet with confidential and sensitive information
Ability to arrive to work on time and according to schedule
Infant/Child CPR, First Aid and Standard Precautions certification (WNS can provide within the first 60 days of hire).
Must be able to pass a full criminal background check including fingerprinting and out-of-state background checks for individuals who have lived outside of Colorado within the past 5 years.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
Positively contribute to the team on a regular basis
Make decisions and complete work with integrity and ethics
Assess one’s own strength, areas of improvement, and pursue applicable training and development opportunities
Uses time efficiently and effectively to complete tasks, projects, or assignments
Inspires respect and trust among families, co-workers, and community
Demonstrates original thinking and approaches to work
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Infant
Education and Experience requirements are as follows: (Candidates must meet ONE of the following)
A Registered Nurse, licensed to practice in Colorado, with a minimum of three (3) months (455 hours) of verifiable experience in the care and supervision of infants who are not related to the individual; or,
A Licensed Practical Nurse, licensed to practice in Colorado, a minimum of nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verifiable experience in the care and supervision of infants who are not related to the individual; or,
An adult who holds a certificate in infant and toddler care from an accredited college or university with completion of a minimum of thirty
(30) semester credit hours in the development and care of infants and toddlers in a group setting; or,
An adult who is currently certified as a child development associate
(CDA) in: Center-Based, Preschool; Center-Based, Infant-Toddler; or Family Child Care; and has completed the Infant/Toddler Theory and Practice or has been issued the Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care Training certificate of completion; or,
(5) An adult who holds a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II or higher in Version 3.0, as determined by the Department, has a minimum of nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verifiable experience in the care and supervision of infants and/or toddlers, and:
Has completed one (1) three (3) semester credit hour course in Infant/Toddler Development; or,
Has completed the Department-approved Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care training course.
An adult who:
Is at least nineteen (19) years of age;
Is qualified as an Early Childhood Teacher (Section 7.702.45, A);
Has a minimum of nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verifiable experience in the group care of infants or toddlers; and,
Has completed at least two (2) three (3)-semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university on the development and care of infants and toddlers in a group setting, one (1) of which must be:
Infant/Toddler Development; or,
The Department-approved Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care training course; or,
An adult who:
Is at least nineteen (19) years of age;
Is qualified as an Early Childhood Teacher (Section 7.702.45, A);
Has a minimum of one (1) year and nine (9) months (3,185 hours) of verifiable experience in the group care and supervision of infants or toddlers; and,
Will complete, within the first six (6) months of employment, two (2) three (3)-semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university, one (1) of which must be:
Infant/Toddler Development; or,
The Department-approved Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care training course.
Fifteen clock hours of training required per calendar year
Participates in professional development plan and works towards a minimum of receiving CDA, Director’s Certificate or Associates within targeted time frame (preferably within 24 months)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. They may also be required to kneel, bend, squat, or crawl.
Ability to lift 50 pounds
EFFECTIVE DATE
January 2023
Note: This position description is not intended to be an exclusive list of all of the requirements, duties, tasks, roles or responsibilities associated with the position. Nothing in this position description restricts WNS’ ability to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job at any time. WNS is an “at will” employer, and WNS employees may be separated from WNS employment at any time and at the discretion of management.
Wildflower Nature School is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. WNS does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
JOB SUMMARY
The Lead Teacher is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team to implement a nature-based curriculum and manage daily operations within the classroom at Wildflower Nature School (WNS). The Lead Teacher observes and documents each child’s developmental milestones using an observational assessment system to determine each child’s progress throughout the school year. Communication skills with both children and adults is required to maintain relationships with families, effectively guide co-teachers, and resolve parental concerns.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards
Encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching
Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive, and emotional development
Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences
Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met
Ensure a healthy classroom environment - including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children
Supervise co-teachers and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards
Maintain accurate records, forms, and files
Maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent communication and instructional skills and basic computer skills
Committed to upholding WNS’ mission, vision, and values
Work with NAEYC code of ethics in mind and integrity
Shows sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity
A strong understanding of child development
Ability to be discreet with confidential and sensitive information
Ability to arrive to work on time and according to schedule
Infant/Child CPR, First Aid and Standard Precautions certification (WNS can provide within the first 60 days of hire).
Must be able to pass a full criminal background check including fingerprinting and out-of-state background checks for individuals who have lived outside of Colorado within the past 5 years.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
Positively contribute to the team on a regular basis
Make decisions and complete work with integrity and ethics
Assess one’s own strength, areas of improvement, and pursue applicable training and development opportunities
Uses time efficiently and effectively to complete tasks, projects, or assignments
Inspires respect and trust among families, co-workers, and community
Demonstrates original thinking and approaches to work
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Infant
Education and Experience requirements are as follows: (Candidates must meet ONE of the following)
A Registered Nurse, licensed to practice in Colorado, with a minimum of three (3) months (455 hours) of verifiable experience in the care and supervision of infants who are not related to the individual; or,
A Licensed Practical Nurse, licensed to practice in Colorado, a minimum of nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verifiable experience in the care and supervision of infants who are not related to the individual; or,
An adult who holds a certificate in infant and toddler care from an accredited college or university with completion of a minimum of thirty
(30) semester credit hours in the development and care of infants and toddlers in a group setting; or,
An adult who is currently certified as a child development associate
(CDA) in: Center-Based, Preschool; Center-Based, Infant-Toddler; or Family Child Care; and has completed the Infant/Toddler Theory and Practice or has been issued the Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care Training certificate of completion; or,
(5) An adult who holds a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II or higher in Version 3.0, as determined by the Department, has a minimum of nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verifiable experience in the care and supervision of infants and/or toddlers, and:
Has completed one (1) three (3) semester credit hour course in Infant/Toddler Development; or,
Has completed the Department-approved Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care training course.
An adult who:
Is at least nineteen (19) years of age;
Is qualified as an Early Childhood Teacher (Section 7.702.45, A);
Has a minimum of nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verifiable experience in the group care of infants or toddlers; and,
Has completed at least two (2) three (3)-semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university on the development and care of infants and toddlers in a group setting, one (1) of which must be:
Infant/Toddler Development; or,
The Department-approved Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care training course; or,
An adult who:
Is at least nineteen (19) years of age;
Is qualified as an Early Childhood Teacher (Section 7.702.45, A);
Has a minimum of one (1) year and nine (9) months (3,185 hours) of verifiable experience in the group care and supervision of infants or toddlers; and,
Will complete, within the first six (6) months of employment, two (2) three (3)-semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university, one (1) of which must be:
Infant/Toddler Development; or,
The Department-approved Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care training course.
Fifteen clock hours of training required per calendar year
Participates in professional development plan and works towards a minimum of receiving CDA, Director’s Certificate or Associates within targeted time frame (preferably within 24 months)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. They may also be required to kneel, bend, squat, or crawl.
Ability to lift 50 pounds
EFFECTIVE DATE
January 2023
Note: This position description is not intended to be an exclusive list of all of the requirements, duties, tasks, roles or responsibilities associated with the position. Nothing in this position description restricts WNS’ ability to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job at any time. WNS is an “at will” employer, and WNS employees may be separated from WNS employment at any time and at the discretion of management.
Wildflower Nature School is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. WNS does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.