Lead Toddler Teacher

Position Description

The Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children from birth through age three. The Lead Teacher plans and implements responsive, relationship-based experiences that support children's physical, social-emotional, cognitive, language, and creative development.

The Lead Teacher provides leadership within the classroom, collaborates with assistant teachers and support staff, builds positive relationships with families, and ensures compliance with all program policies and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations. The Lead Teacher serves as the primary coordinator of classroom curriculum, daily routines, child assessments, and family communication.

Responsibilities and Duties

Child Development and Care

• Provide responsive, individualized care that supports the unique needs of each child.
• Establish nurturing relationships that promote children's sense of security, belonging, and well-being.
• Support children's social-emotional development through positive guidance and relationship-based practices.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Attend to children's daily care needs, including feeding, diapering, toileting, sleeping, dressing, and hygiene routines.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to children's developmental, emotional, behavioral, and health needs.

Curriculum and Learning Environment

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences based on children's interests, developmental levels, and individual needs.
• Create engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments that encourage exploration, discovery, and play.
• Incorporate opportunities for language development, sensory exploration, movement, problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction throughout the day.
• Maintain classroom materials and learning centers that are safe, organized, inviting, and reflective of children's interests and cultures.
• Support program philosophies, including play-based learning, relationship-based practices, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Integrate Jewish values, traditions, and culture into classroom experiences as appropriate.

Assessment and Documentation

• Observe and document children's development, interests, and learning experiences.
• Complete child assessments, developmental screenings, and other required documentation in accordance with program expectations.
• Use assessment information to inform curriculum planning and individualized support strategies.
• Maintain accurate records related to attendance, daily routines, incidents, health information, and child development.

Family Engagement

• Establish positive and professional relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding children's experiences, development, and daily routines.
• Support family engagement activities and program events.
• Collaborate with families to support children's individual needs and developmental goals.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Classroom Leadership and Team Collaboration

• Provide guidance and support to assistant teachers, aides, floaters, and substitutes assigned to the classroom.
• Delegate classroom responsibilities appropriately while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Model professionalism and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Participate in classroom and program planning meetings.
• Collaborate with administration and colleagues to support program goals and continuous improvement efforts.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all OCFS regulations, program policies, and health and safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Conduct required health and safety checks and documentation.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow established procedures.
• Participate in emergency drills, trainings, and required safety procedures.
• Administer medication only when properly trained and authorized in accordance with program policies and regulations.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings, trainings, conferences, and professional development activities as required.
• Complete all required OCFS training and maintain required certifications.
• Participate in program-wide events and activities.
• Support the swim program and other specialty programming as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the ECE Director or Assistant Director.