Lead Teacher

Job Summary

The Lead Teacher serves as team leader and oversees the work of staff in the Little Eagles Learning Center. Promotes the social, emotional, moral, cognitive, language, and physical development of children. Builds partnerships with families through mutual respect.

FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Supervises classroom aides, interns, and students; provides support and guidance to student interns and undergraduate students.

• Provides training and development services to increase workforce competence, employee engagement, or organizational capability.

• Serves as a team leader and oversees the work of staff in assigned area.

• Ensures that childcare routines are consistent with good child development principles. Ensures the health, safety, welfare, and accountability of children through constant supervision.

• Promotes and plans indoor and outdoor activities to engage children in a wide variety of experiences.

• Provides parents with information about their child's experiences. Fosters close partnerships with parents in an effort to provide a unified harmonious approach to child rearing and education.

• Monitors child's progress and maintains records in all areas of development.

• Collaborates with staff in planning and assignments.

• Models, conveys, and promotes high quality developmentally and culturally appropriate practices in early care and education to families, professionals, and the community-at-large.

• Reports accidents, injuries and illnesses to parents and supervisors. Reports suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to authorities as a mandated reporter under state law.

Other Duties

• Shares joint housekeeping responsibilities with other staff members.

• Attends staff meetings, training programs and conferences

• Assists in other classrooms as needed.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• This position requires either six years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education or related area and two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.

• Staff Credential, VPK Emergent Literacy Class, and VPK Standards Class certifications or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.

• Full-time professional experience in a licensed child care program or related experience.

• 45 clock-hour childcare training as required by the Department of Children and Families. Training must begin within 90 days of hire and be completed by one year.

• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).

• Must meet all requirements of Chapters 402 and 435 F.S.

• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education or related area.

• Experience with children in a full-time licensed child care facility or public/private school programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of all childcare licensing standards, the accreditation standards of the NAEYC, Florida Sunrise and Sunshine State Standards, and/or national Head Start performance standards.

• Knowledge of or ability to learn the state regulations governing the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.

• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes an equitable environment.

• Ability to provide supportive and caring services to all children and families using patience, sensitivity, dignity and respect.

• Ability to provide basic nutrition and hygiene services for infants and young children.

• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, staff, volunteers, students and visitors.

• Ability to collaborate and work effectively within a diverse community and willing to contribute to a team effort.

• Ability to think critically and make clear, well-reasoned and timely decisions.

• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and diverse demands are involved.

• Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and environments.

• Ability to assume new responsibilities and carry them out in an effective manner.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.