Lead Infant Teacher

The Lead Infant Teacher is responsible for supporting the operations of the classroom by enforcing rules, following established lesson plans, and ensuring a safe environment. This is a full-time position with working hours from 7 am to 4 pm. The lead infant teacher will provide structure and guidance to children, staff, and families. They will work closely with the Assistant Teacher in establishing and leading educational, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for children in the Early Learning Academy (ELA) programs.

Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee classroom operations, including lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and reporting supply needs to the ELA Director.
• Follow all state licensing and BGCA rules and regulations including maintaining required staff to child ratio in classroom.
• Maintain constant awareness of all children in the classroom through active supervision, including scanning, moving strategically, using name-to-face counts and engaging with children at all times.
• Guide and support Assistant Teachers in the classroom by providing clear feedback, direction, and mentorship to ensure a positive and effective learning environment.
• Coordinate with Assistant Teachers on execution of lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Lead a variety of age-appropriate activities to support children's physical and intellectual development.
• Provide materials and resources to promote physical, mental, and social growth through play, art, music, and storytelling.
• Assist with diapering and regulating rest/nap schedules.
• Serve balanced meals and snacks and comply with CACFP meal counts and production records.
• Ensure a safe environment by monitoring children's play and sanitizing toys and equipment.
• Perform light housekeeping tasks (classroom cleaning, laundry, cleaning, changing linens).
• Collaborate with leadership to provide indoor and outdoor spaces for creative play and motor-skill development.
• Maintain records of daily activities, meals, medications, and observations for each child.
• Communicate with parents/guardians about children's daily activities, behaviors, and concerns.
• Use electronic devices including ProCare for daily reporting.
• Assist with bus loading/unloading on field trips.
• Guide positive behavior, enforce discipline, and document/report incidents to the ELA leadership.
• Conduct child assessments, maintain portfolios, and participate in parent-teacher conferences.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Welcome new members, introduce them to the facility, and encourage participation.
• Responsible for all other duties and tasks assigned by ELA leadership.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• An Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s Degree or higher in a relevant field required.
• Three years of experience as a lead teacher in a childcare setting may be considered in place of the stated education requirements. BGCSE encourages all lead teachers to pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential to further their professional growth and offers support to employees interested in enrolling in a CDA program.
• A valid CPR Certification or the ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification within 90 days of employment is required. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire does provide this training for those not certified.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

• Must be reliable with good attendance and consistency to be on time.
• Time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize duties, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Constant hearing, hand-eye coordination, mind-eye coordination.
• Intermittent speaking, standing, walking, kneeling, lifting, reaching, low-level activity, and squatting.
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases.
• Frequent lifting of objects under 20 pounds, and occasional lifting of items up to 75 pounds.
• Indoor with minimal outdoor work. Extreme temperatures in the summer and winter to be expected.

Pre-Employment Screenings:

• Pre-employment screenings may include, but not limited to, the following: drug screen, criminal background check(s), child abuse/neglect screening(s), driving history screening(s), and reference checks.

We strive to make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. For a full job description or for any assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Coordinator at 605-306-1125.    

All qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, non-job-related disability, or any other protected class.