Lead Teacher, Early Education

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
We are community builders co-creating enduring change toward a just society where every person has personal, social, and economic power. Our united system of programs, neighborhood centers, social enterprises, and partnerships connects individuals and their families across the region.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The primary objective of this position is to provide a warm and friendly environment that maximizes opportunities for developmental growth and provides the best possible care.

This person reports to the Child Care Manager and is responsible for managing a classroom of up to 20 children.  The Lead Teacher will coordinate lesson plans, implement the curriculum, follow state (Rule 3), and federal rules and guidelines. The ideal candidate will meet the qualifications for Early Education Teachers as stated in the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning, Rule 3.

Primary Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Strategy and Thought Leadership 

• Programming expert in early childhood development
• Create content & curriculum for toddlers and/or preschool age children
• Make recommendations for program improvements and changes
• Stay current with and connected to available community resources
• Ensure children’s basic needs are met
• Assist children in developing self-help skills which encourage independence
• Lead children in development/implementation of sensory-motor development based on movement, experimentation, and exploration
• Implement the weekly lesson plans to include the following curricular areas: group time, art, science, math, music, movement, sensory, dramatic play, early literacy, story time, gross motor, and skills development encouraging child participation
• Provide non-sexist, anti-based curriculum which includes use of special events, books, puzzles, pictures, and staff role modeling  
• Develop/implement health awareness, such as body safety and nutrition
• Assess each child’s developmental level using a checklist as well as classroom observations, to record information

Operations and Outcomes 

• Develop activation plans
• Execute programs flawlessly
• Track and report assigned metrics
• Delegate cleaning responsibilities to classroom aides including, clean and disinfect toys, tables and other areas of the classroom and playground
• Instruct children in proper use of materials
• Direct mealtimes, toileting, and diaper changes, instruct support staff in proper procedures
• Observe and supervise children during free play activities, mealtime, nap time, and during outdoor play
• Assist children in resolving conflicts to meet their developmental needs
• Implement daily lesson plans, material preparation and clean up for/from activities
• Instruct and guide children in completing activities and projects
• Lead indoor and outdoor activities
• Ensure food temperatures are taken and logged daily
• Maintain a safe, stimulating, and nurturing learning environment to provide all children with a positive experience
• Provide first aid for injured children and inform parents through completed incident reports
• Work with special needs coordinators and all adjunct staff to ensure all individual family service plans are carried out effectively
• Complete in-service training hours to meet Rule 3 requirements
• Enter daily reports into the Himama app
• Maintain daily CACFP attendance and meal counts
• Provide Supervisor with all information/paperwork required by DHS licensing Rule 3 for classroom when needed
• Participate in maintaining NAEYC standards and assist in preparation for NAEYC accrediting visits. Including maintaining classroom portfolio
• Complete all training required by Parent Aware
• Attend monthly staff meetings
• Supervise and participate in children’s activities guiding their behavior as needed to ensure their safety and well-being
• Ensure that equipment in the classroom meets state licensing requirements in terms of quantity and quality
• Maintain a sanitized, clean, and safe work environment which meets state health department requirements

People and Community Development 

• Provide excellent client service
• Engage internal & external relationships
• Make effective use of volunteers

Financial Management

• Use resources and supplies responsibly
• Record time and expenses accurately
• Maintain attendance and meal counts daily
• Record data as needed for funding sources, internal accountability, and Rule 3

Required Skills/Experience

• Current First Aid/CPR certified
• Knowledge of health and safety precautions, sanitation/cleaning techniques, and emergency response
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population, parents, children, and other professionals

• Able to build positive, nonjudgmental relationships with community
• Understanding of appropriate personal boundaries and professional ethics
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends
• Self-motivated with excellent time management and accountability skills.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds frequently
• Position requires frequent bending, stooping, standing and, walking

Desired Attributes

• Passion for what’s possible
• Clear sense of personal purpose
• Commitment to social justice
• Creative problem-solver
• Skilled communicator and motivator

A Note to Potential Candidates:

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Pillsbury United Communities is intentional about its responsibility of maintaining an equitable environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We hire, support, and promote talented individuals using a process that is fair and equitable to all that apply. We believe differences such as age, race, culture, ability, and sexual orientation are valuable and an asset to our organization, and employees are protected from reprisal.