Team Lead Teacher

About Us:
At Riverside Academy, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing, creative, and educational environment where children thrive. Our center is seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Teacher who is committed to fostering the growth and development of young children. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is also interested in advancing to a director role in the future, as the position requires qualifications necessary to become a childcare center director in the state of Maine.

Job Description:
As a Lead Teacher, you will be responsible for leading a classroom, designing and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, and ensuring a positive, safe, and enriching learning environment. You will be expected to mentor other staff members and communicate effectively with parents and caregivers. In addition, you will be involved in the operational aspects of our childcare center, with the potential to take on additional leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a classroom of children, ensuring all activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and promote both learning and social development.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that align with state guidelines and best practices in early childhood education.
• Supervise, mentor, and support assistant teachers and staff.
• Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers, providing updates on children's progress and addressing any concerns.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture that promotes respect, creativity, and curiosity.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment.
• Collaborate with fellow educators to ensure consistency and quality across all programs.
• Comply with all state licensing regulations and maintain a knowledge of current early childhood education trends and research.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and center-wide events.
• Overseeing the childcare center when the director is absent from the program.

Qualifications:

Facilities licensed for 50 or more Children must employ a Director and/or lead teacher who is at least 21 years of age, and meets one of the following requirements:

• a. A Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts (BA/BS) in Early Childhood Education; or
• b. A BA/BS in a Department-approved related field with 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education and three years of direct Child care experience; or
• c. An Associate in Arts/Associate in Science (AA/AS) in Early Childhood Education and three years of direct Child care experience; or
• d. An AA/AS in a related field with 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education and three years of direct Childcare experience.
• e. Current CDA as awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition or a Maine State approved credential, with five years of direct Childcare experience.
• f. Seven years of experience and 180 hours of training in the topics listed; or
• g. Meet Level 5, 6, 7, or 8 on the Maine Roads to Quality Career Lattice.

Also having the following

• At least 2 years of experience working in a licensed childcare setting, with a proven track record of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of Maine state licensing regulations and early childhood best practices.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and interact positively with families and children.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

Why Join Us?

• Competitive pay with opportunities for growth within the organization.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Professional development opportunities to help you advance your career.
• Meaningful work that makes a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
• Feel valued and supported every day!

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the position through Indeed. We are excited to find a dedicated and passionate educator to join our team!

Riverside Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.50 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

Experience:

• Childcare: 4 years (Preferred)
• Leadership: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Lewiston, ME 04240 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lewiston, ME 04240: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person