Lead Infant Guide

Understand and fulfill the Minimum Standards for Licensed Child Day Care Centers (Department of Social Services, Commonwealth of Virginia), which requires signature of the employee. Operate a classroom of infants in accordance with Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) standards. Work directly with the Head of School Director in the implementation of Montessori Curriculum with special emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices and incorporating Virginia's early learning development standards. Facilitate the development of the "whole" child, enhancing each child's self-esteem and independence. Treat each child with dignity and respect, recognizing and considering the individual needs of each child in relation to cultural and socioeconomic background, handicaps, special talents and interests, style and pace of learning, communicate effectively and appropriately with the age group assigned. Provide a nurturing atmosphere for the children demonstrated by interacting on child's eye level, sitting on the floor with children, providing appropriate physical contact for comforting and reassurance. Help children learn to think creatively, to solve problems independently, and to respect themselves and others. Work interactively with children in all activity areas in classroom or outdoors as assigned. Implement and support Developmentally Appropriate Practices, providing a stimulating environment for the children. Prepare lesson plans for both inside and outside to include the following areas of learning... cognitive, gross motor, fine motor, social and self-esteem. Assist children in developing good personal hygiene, changing diapers, toilet training and washing of hands. Maintains structure and control of the classroom at all times including during episodes of children's upsets and emergency situations. Follow all procedures and requirements as noted by school policy & procedures and in accordance with the Commonwealth of Virginia's licensing requirements to assure the safety of the children in your assigned environment, monitoring their safety at all times. Screen all children with appropriate developmental screening tools. Identify special needs in children and make referrals to Head of School. Implement limit setting for children according to the policies of the School. Protect confidential information of both the child(ren) and families associated with the school. Prepare and maintain space and materials for classroom and outdoor activities. Provide supervision to assigned Assistant(s) and Classroom Aide(s) asking for input on lesson plan and classroom management, giving instructions and monitoring their duties. COMPETENCIES Establish positive relationships with parents or families. Greeting each person warmly during drop off and pick up, sharing both positive and negative events of the child's day, by taking an interest in the family as a whole, and by responding to parent questions and concerns. Maintaining confidentiality with information relating to parents and children, being careful what information is shared with other staff. Encouraging family participation in classroom program, special activities, parent meetings and training. ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES Provide adequate supervision and direction to assistant teacher(s) and classroom aide(s). Maintain classroom ratio of staff to children at all times and knowing when to call the Head of School for additional staff support to maintain required levels of coverage. Implement limit-setting in accordance with center's discipline policy. Provide interactive supervision on the playground. Feed and supervise children during meals and eat with them as age level requires. Share with the classroom staff the responsibility of maintaining a clean room. Clean & Disinfect toys and equipment according to center standards. Report problems, illness of a child or signs of child abuse promptly to the Head of School or Manager. Conduct classroom staff meetings to plan classroom activities and management of the classroom. Work in conjunction, with other professionals to facilitate a child's optimal development. Maintain daily meal count, attendance, and monthly reporting. Attend staff meetings. Maintain a neat and clean appearance. Lead Teachers are not to accept payment of fees from parents. Ability to work cooperatively with peers and supervisors Ability to maintain professional relationships with clients, child(ren), families and other agency representatives. Quality of work. This includes exercise of promptness, accuracy, and sound judgment, meeting required outcomes and the ability to perform all aspects of the job description. Dedication. This includes the desire determination and ability to provide comprehensive services to clients, children, and families.