Lead Educator

The Lead Educator is responsible for the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being and the supervision of his/her assigned group of children.

Child Development and Supervision

• Plans, supervises and implements the Childcare program in accordance with policies and the philosophy of the center
• Treats each child with dignity and respect
• Helps children become aware of their roles as integral members of a group
• Physically supervise all activities of children in their care; supervision standards and processes must be maintained at all times inside and outside of the center
• Provides consistent care of children’s needs throughout the day, to include but not limited to:
  Feeding, Diapering, Toilet Training, Comforting, Guidance, Nap, Play, Learning/lessons
• Provides medical care as needed to children
• Gears the program to the needs of individual children with concern for their interests, handicaps, special talents and individual style and pace of learning
• Considers individual children in relationship to their cultural and socioeconomic background
• Develops multi-age and developmentally appropriate activities and lessons that include dramatic play, block/manipulative, gross/fine motor, arts/crafts, music/movement, language, math/science, indoor/outdoor activities, etc.
• Communicates daily with parents regarding child’s day/activities
• Evaluates child’s performance and completes Developmental Checklist biannually
• Identifies behavioral problems and determines the right course of action
• Submits monthly or weekly lesson plans with appropriate TN ELDS documentation at least one week in advance to the Assistant Director/Director
• Coordinates activities/child assignments for volunteers

Classroom and Program Management

• Responsible for the arrangement, appearance, décor and learning environment of the classroom
• Ensures classroom environment, lesson plans and all other Three Star criteria are maintained at all times
• Maintains accurate documentation and records of attendance, meals, accidents and medications, activity sheets, etc.
• Ensures cleanliness of and reports any maintenance/repair needs for the classroom
• Assumes an equal share of housekeeping responsibilities (indoors and outdoors)
• Ensures classroom is adequately stocked with necessary forms or supplies each day before the first child arrives
• Attends all required staff meetings
• Participates in recommended training programs, conferences, CPR and First Aid courses, and other aspects of professional growth (Minimum hours required: 18 per year)
• Implements methods for effectively utilizing Educational Assistants
• Represents the Lead Educator position and the YWCA in a hospitable manner to guests and in contact outside the center
• Maintains a positive, flexible and cooperative relationship with all staff and volunteers of the agency
• Assists the Director and the Assistant Director of Childcare in supervising classroom staff/volunteers and ensuring the smooth coordination of all classroom activities and plans
• Carries out standards of State of Tennessee Licensure Rules; is responsible to read, review, and understand all regulations
• Responsible for reporting in an appropriate and timely manner any noncompliance with YWCA policies and procedures, State of Tennessee Licensure rules, local, state and federal regulations
• Performs other duties assigned by the Director or Assistant Director

• Works in a safety-conscious manner which ensures that safe work practices are used in order not to pose a risk to self or others in the workplace. Reports any safety violations or hazards to supervisor.
• Complies with YWCA policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations
• Adheres to policy on Drug Free Workplace
• Interacts in a tactful, diplomatic, and humanistic manner with children, families, visitors, volunteers, and co-workers to provide a safe, efficient and caring environment which ensures self-respect, personal dignity, rights and physical safety of each person
• Maintains a dependable attendance record and adheres to standards of cleanliness, grooming, hygiene, and dress code
• Takes positive action to ensure equal opportunity in the conduct of all business…