Lead Teacher in Training — One-Year-Old Classroom

The Elsie AcademyLead Teacher in Training — One-Year-Old Classroom

Position Summary

The Lead Teacher in Training works in conjunction with the Program Supervisor to provide high-quality early childhood care and education in the one-year-old classroom. The Elsie Academy is a Christian school with a Reggio-inspired approach, Spanish language learning, and an emergent curriculum that responds to children’s interests, questions, and developmental needs.

The Lead Teacher in Training is responsible for executing all classroom programs with coaching and oversight from the Program Supervisor. These include life skills, math, science, reading and early literacy, Spanish language learning, Christian character development, sensory exploration, creative expression, and physical development.

This role combines direct responsibility for classroom care and program implementation with guided development in classroom leadership, planning, documentation, family communication, and direction of supporting teachers.

Program Execution and Learning

• Plan, prepare, implement, and evaluate all assigned classroom programs, ensuring learning experiences are appropriate for one-year-old children.
• Implement the school’s curriculum while using children’s interests and observations to shape meaningful, emergent learning experiences.
• Prepare a welcoming, Reggio-inspired environment with accessible materials, intentional learning invitations, and opportunities for exploration.
• Integrate program goals into purposeful play, small-group experiences, individual interactions, and daily care routines.
• Life skills: Encourage emerging independence through handwashing, cleanup, dressing, self-feeding, caring for materials, and participation in classroom routines.
• Math: Introduce counting language, shapes, size, sorting, matching, patterns, and spatial concepts through hands-on exploration.
• Science: Encourage curiosity through nature experiences, cause-and-effect activities, sensory exploration, and observation of the world.
• Reading and early literacy: Provide daily books, storytelling, songs, rhymes, picture discussions, and language-rich interactions.
• Spanish language learning: Incorporate Spanish words, songs, books, and simple phrases throughout play and classroom routines.
• Christian character development: Model and teach kindness, patience, gratitude, gentleness, helping others, and care for God’s creation through age-appropriate stories, prayer, songs, and daily interactions.
• Sensory and creative exploration: Provide safe opportunities to investigate textures, sounds, movement, art materials, and open-ended resources.
• Physical development: Provide daily opportunities for movement, outdoor exploration, fine motor practice, and gross motor development.
• Select materials suitable for young toddlers, ensuring sensory materials and loose parts do not present choking hazards.
• Review program implementation with the Program Supervisor and use feedback to strengthen classroom experiences.

Child Development and Daily Care

• Build warm, responsive relationships that help each child feel safe, valued, and connected.
• Support children’s social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development.
• Respond promptly and respectfully to individual needs during diapering, meals, rest, dressing, and transitions.
• Maintain predictable routines while accommodating individual developmental needs.
• Use redemptive classroom guidance grounded in connection, patience, modeling, and gentle redirection.
• Help children begin to express feelings, communicate needs, and develop positive relationships.

Safety, Supervision, and Sanitation

• Maintain active supervision of every child throughout classroom activities, outdoor play, transitions, and care routines.
• Follow procedures for attendance verification, child counts, classroom coverage, and safe staff handoffs.
• Follow applicable childcare requirements and school health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain an organized classroom with clear pathways and uncluttered surfaces.
• Complete cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting tasks according to school procedures.
• Follow proper handwashing, diapering, food handling, and meal service practices.
• Identify and promptly report damaged materials, hazards, injuries, illness concerns, and supervision issues.
• Complete required incident and daily care documentation accurately.

Planning, Observation, and Documentation

• Use scheduled planning time to prepare lessons, gather supplies, organize materials, and ensure all classroom programs are ready for implementation.
• Enter lesson plans and required classroom information into Procare.
• Observe children’s interests, engagement, emerging skills, and developmental needs.
• Use observations to guide planning and individualize learning experiences.
• Maintain accurate attendance, meal, diapering, rest, and activity records.
• Prepare student portfolios and classroom documentation that show children’s experiences and learning.
• Support developmental screenings and assessments as assigned and trained.
• Participate in planning and coaching meetings with the Program Supervisor.

Family Communication

• Build respectful, professional relationships with families.
• Share accurate updates about daily care, classroom learning, development, and progress through approved communication methods.
• Explain how classroom experiences support the school’s programs and each child’s development.
• Prepare for and participate in parent-teacher conferences with guidance from the Program Supervisor.
• Discuss developmental or behavioral concerns with the Program Supervisor and follow school procedures for communicating with families.
• Maintain the confidentiality of children, families, and staff.

Classroom Leadership and Professional Development

• Take responsibility for daily classroom organization, routines, and program execution.
• With guidance from the Program Supervisor, communicate assignments and expectations to supporting teachers.
• Help ensure supporting teachers understand planned activities, care routines, and supervision responsibilities.
• Model nurturing interactions, professionalism, teamwork, and adherence to school procedures.
• Participate actively in training, coaching, classroom modeling, and performance feedback.
• Apply feedback consistently and demonstrate progress toward independent classroom leadership.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and scheduled professional development days in their entirety.
• Maintain dependable attendance and follow scheduling expectations.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Associate degree in Education perferred or at least two years of early childhood experience.
• Early childhood education and care credentials consistent with applicable Florida requirements.
• Completion of required childcare training and ongoing professional development within applicable deadlines.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate practices, and childcare health and safety procedures.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Ability to meet applicable state requirements for the position.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use classroom documentation and communication systems.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English; Spanish bilingual proficiency is required.

Required Competencies

• A love for children and commitment to nurturing young toddlers.
• Ability to implement classroom programs consistently and purposefully.
• Patience, empathy, and responsiveness to individual needs.
• Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to protect sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work cooperatively with families, leadership, and coworkers.
• Willingness to receive coaching, apply feedback, and develop leadership skills.
• Commitment to The Elsie Academy’s Christian values, Reggio-inspired approach, Spanish language learning, and emergent curriculum.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to perform essential classroom duties, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Lift and carry children or materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and move between floor-level and standing activities.
• Work indoors and outdoors and participate in active play.
• Observe and respond promptly to children’s needs and safety concerns.
• Use a computer or tablet for planning, documentation, and communication.

Training and Readiness

The Program Supervisor will evaluate progress through classroom observations, coaching discussions, assigned training, and demonstrated performance. Readiness for a Lead Teacher position will be based on consistent program execution, safe classroom practices, instructional preparation, family communication, and the ability to guide a classroom team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Required)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person