ECDC Co-Lead Teacher

Position Overview

The Co-Lead Teacher is a full-time, 12-month professional position, scheduled 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week.

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Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred
• Previous experience working with children in a group setting
• Physically able to lift 40 pounds and meet the demands of supervising young children
• Able to visually and audibly supervise children both indoors and outdoors
• Successful completion of pediatric First Aid and annual CPR and Universal Precautions training
• Passing scores on physical exam, criminal history check, and drug screening

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Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Creates and implements a developmentally appropriate Project Approach Curriculum
2. Creates and maintains a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
3. Builds positive relationships with preschool and school-age children
4. Demonstrates understanding of child development and how young children learn
5. Applies appropriate classroom guidance and management strategies
6. Demonstrates emotional and social maturity to respond responsibly in stressful or crisis situations
7. Shows sensitivity to children's individual learning, emotional, social, physical, and creative needs
8. Implements Indiana Licensing Regulations and NAEYC Accreditation Standards
9. Visually observes and supervises children's activities indoors and outdoors
10. Lifts children and equipment up to 40 pounds; bends and kneels to children's eye level
11. Moves quickly to intervene in unsafe situations
12. Communicates openly and positively with children, families, college students, and ECDC staff

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Primary Responsibilities

The Co-Lead Teacher takes professional responsibility for a group of children, planning and implementing a developmental curriculum consistent with ECDC's philosophy, NAEYC Accreditation standards, and Indiana child care licensing requirements. The Co-Lead Teacher leads a Project Approach Curriculum that encourages creativity and divergent thinking and is responsive to children's interests. Learning activities include art, language arts, math, music, science, social science, free-choice activities, and gross and fine motor development — all centered on each child's physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and creative growth.

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Ancillary Responsibilities

The Co-Lead Teacher is also responsible for:

1. Attending scheduled teacher and staff meetings
2. Communicating with families regarding educational, developmental, and parenting topics; building a strong home-ECDC relationship that recognizes families as the most important influence in a child's life
3. Supervising practicum and other college students; attending and directing practicum student meetings and conferences
4. Taking responsibility for room arrangement and materials; maintaining a safe, healthy, clean, orderly, and welcoming learning environment conducive to children's optimal growth and development
5. Planning and facilitating field trips and special visitors
6. Supervising Associate and Assistant Teachers and college students (practicum, paid, and volunteer)
7. Providing input on the purchase of educational materials, equipment, and supplies for the learning environment (activity room, playground, gross motor room)
8. Modeling and maintaining confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, students, and volunteers, in accordance with ECDC policies and director guidelines
9. Communicating regularly with the Program Director and/or Executive Director about relevant information, including atypical situations, concerns, and ideas related to children, families, college students, and the program
10. Working cooperatively with ECDC administrators, Co-Lead Teachers, Associate and Assistant Teachers, and college students as a collaborative team member in support of children, families, and the ECDC program