‼️Lead Teacher ‼️
Under the direction of the Site Manager, the Preschool Lead Teacher will have primary responsibility for one classroom of children, and assist the Site Manager to ensure that a plan of daily activities of enrichment and care for children are implemented in all classrooms according to standards, best practices, and curricula.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities.
● Three (3) years of relevant work experience with children age three (3) to five (5); knowledge of Preschool policies
and practices is strongly required.
● Previous experience training staff or serving in a leadership capacity.
● Knowledge of school readiness and the ability to implement a developmentally appropriate program for preschool
child care.
● CPR and First Aid Training.
● Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups.
● Possess a sincere desire to make a difference in the community and develop professional skills.
● Ability to have a positive relationship with children, staff, and others from diverse backgrounds, including children
with special needs.
● Ability to work effectively and positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children.
● Possess an attitude of continuous improvement.
● Possess a commitment to continued education to include regular participation in workshops, conferences, training
sessions, etc.
● Ability to provide a continuum of care to children ages three (3) to five (5) and to prepare children for Kindergarten.
● Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.
● Ability to follow through on given directives promptly.
● Flexibility in scheduling.
● Ability to develop trusting relationships within a client’s home.
● Ability to work as a team player to interact and assist all employees as necessary.
● Possess the ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families, conviction about
the capacity of people to grow and change, the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the employee, and the ability to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and their families.
Supervisory Responsibilities
There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.
Essential Job Functions
1. Implement and maintain systems, policies, and procedures that ensure objectives are met and services are high quality as defined by the standards set forth by NAEYC, COA, CACFP, Head Start, the Department of Human Services, Porter-Leath.
2. Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children that includes children with special needs.
3. Plans daily activities of enrichment and care for children according to the standards set forth by NAEYC, COA,
Tennessee Child Care Licensing, and Porter-Leath.
4. Work in collaboration with program staff to assure that the educational, health, and social services needs of
5. In conjunction with the Site Manager and family service staff, assist in ensuring that teachers complete timely referrals for children needing additional evaluations, screening, and/or observations to address their mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs.
6. In conjunction with the Site Manager and Assistant Center Manager will assist with preparation for educational activities, classroom parent engagement/involvement activities, monthly reporting, local and national site visits/audits (i.e. DHS annual assessment, federal review, NAEYC, monitoring, etc.), PIR reporting, and self-assessments.
7. Work cooperatively with the Site Manager, Assistant Manager, and Education Specialist to provide leadership for education staff and assist with monitoring program components such as CLASS, ECERS, etc. to ensure that they are implemented and reflected daily throughout the program.
8. Perform as a leader and role model to education staff and assist the Site Manager with coordinating staff professional development opportunities to ensure staff is equipped with the skills necessary to effectively serve children and families.
9. Cooperatively work with other staff members in creating a positive, healthy, and safe environment for children, families, and staff by ensuring that classrooms meet all local, state, and federal requirements.
10. Assists Site Manager, Assistant Manager, and Education Specialist with special projects in the education area including classroom monitoring, data entry, classroom arrangement, ordering classroom material, completing classroom checklist, transition activities, and staff training.
11. Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring a coordinated plan of care for each family.
12. Meet regularly with teachers to discuss classroom needs and problem solve issues that relate to the program.
13. Act as a mentor to teaching staff and families of children in a group.
14. Support and teach good parenting practices and best practices.
15. Conduct home visits and parent conferences with families as required by Porter-Leath.
16. Conduct ongoing child assessments, observations, and screenings.
17. Keep Supervisor informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.
18. Represent Porter-Leath within groups at a national, state, and local level for purposes of advocacy, education,
collaboration, networking, and information sharing.
19. Attend local, regional, and national educational workshops.
20. Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger/handle/feel. Occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision.
Call 901-651-0841 for immediate consideration