Lead Infant Teacher

The Teacher is responsible for creating a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. The Teacher must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and supported. Effective communication with children, support staff, and parents is essential to meet the needs of the children and foster their success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Planning & Implementation:
  • Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities to enhance children’s social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
  • Develop lesson plans with clear goals, objectives, and outcomes for children, ensuring intentional implementation.
  • Maintain an attractive, stimulating learning environment that encourages independence and self-directed activity.
• Child Development & Observation:
  • Observe, assess, and document each child’s skills, behavior, growth, and development.
  • Facilitate smooth daily transitions, including those from home to the center and between activities.
  • Ensure appropriate supervision and guidance for each child at all times.
• Classroom Management:
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy classroom environment.
  • Follow center policies and meet Nebraska childcare regulations and DHHS licensing requirements.
  • Keep daily attendance records and CACFP food counts.
• Parental Engagement & Communication:
  • Schedule and conduct regular parent meetings to discuss child progress.
  • Encourage and support parent participation in classroom activities and at-home educational practices.
  • Foster effective partnerships with parents, encouraging their input in the educational process.
  • Communicate frequently with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Team Leadership & Supervision:
  • Supervise and guide support staff and volunteers, ensuring adherence to planned activities, hygiene, and safety standards.
  • Serve as a role model and coach for staff, delegating responsibilities as appropriate.
• Administrative Duties:
  • Ensure the timely completion of necessary paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, and newsletters.
  • Maintain confidential educational records for each child.
  • Ensure compliance with DHHS licensing and state childcare regulations.
• Professional Development:
  • Maintain a personal professional development plan and participate in continuous learning opportunities.
  • Attend required in-service training to ensure ongoing quality improvement.
• Other Duties:
  • Perform additional duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Preferred: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or a degree that meets state childcare licensing requirements.
• Alternative: Working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Credential Requirement: Must be willing to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within two years of hire.
• Experience: Minimum two years of experience in an early childhood group setting is preferred.
• Other Requirements: High School Diploma or GED; must clear a full background check.

This role demands a dedicated and knowledgeable teacher who is committed to fostering an environment of growth and development for young children, while adhering to the regulatory requirements set forth by the DHHS licensing standards.