Infant and Toddler Lead Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Early Head Start Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising a developmentally appropriate, child centered educational program for children ages 0-3 years in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and MVCDC policies. The Lead Teacher ensures a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This role includes leading classroom staff and working closely with families to support the child’s overall growth.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan and implement daily developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for infants and toddlers that align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF).
• Maintain accurate records of children's progress and prepare individualized goals and lesson plans.
• Conduct developmental screenings and collaborate with families to create and implement Developmental and Educational Goals (DAEG) and/or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), as needed.

Child Assessment & Support

• Observe, assess, and document children’s development using approved assessment tools (e.g., HighScope Child Observation Record).
• Respond appropriately to children’s individual needs and behaviors using positive behavior support strategies, ensuring secure attachment and responsive caregiving.
• Provide routine care such as feeding, diapering, and supporting daily routines in a respectful and developmentally appropriate manner.

Classroom Management & Supervision

• Supervise and mentor Assistant Teachers, Teacher Aides, and volunteers to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction and care.
• Model positive guidance strategies and appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Ensure daily routines and transitions are smooth, consistent, and promote independence.

Family Engagement

• Promote positive relationships with children, families, and staff through regular communication and family engagement activities.
• Collaborate with co-teachers, home visitors, specialists, and other program staff to support a coordinated approach to child and family development.

Health & Safety

• Ensure the classroom complies with all health, safety, and sanitation requirements.
• Supervise children at all times and ensure safe indoor and outdoor play environments.
• Administer first aid and medication as necessary, following proper protocols.

Professional Development & Compliance

• Attend required training and pursue ongoing professional development.
• Maintain compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and MVCDC policies and procedures.
• Participate in reflective supervision and classroom observations for continuous improvement.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma (required)
• Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (required)
• Associate’s in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (preferred)
• Previous experience working with infants and toddlers in a group setting (preferred)
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse families
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages) is a plus
• Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start program standards
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children aged 0-3 years
• Valid Driver’s License and/or access to transportation to other centers as needed 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to meet and maintain compliance with ODJFS, USDA, Health, and Sanitation regulations
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, with problem solving and good decision-making skills
• Collaborative, team-oriented with positive and dedicated work ethic to children and families
• Willingness to continue professional education and learning
• Demonstrated knowledge of child and family curriculum, Conscious Discipline principles, and Head Start practices

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. Frequent use of hands and fingers is necessary to operate tools, objects, or controls. The position also requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The role involves physical activity both inside and outside the classroom, including but not limited to: sitting on the floor or in child-sized chairs, bending at the knees and waist, stooping, squatting, climbing stairs, engaging in physical outdoor play, going on field trips, and moving quickly to interact with children at their level. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment typically has a low to moderate noise level.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a classroom setting with frequent interruptions. Duties may require sitting and standing for long periods of time. Occasional need to drive a vehicle to other work locations.

OTHER: 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Miami Valley Child Development Centers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.