Lead Teacher Early Learning Center

• **sign-On bonus*
• The successful candidate will receive a $1,000 sign-on bonus ($500 paid at time of hire and $500 paid at the end of 90 days of employment.

Reporting to the Director, the Lead Teacher will work with the teaching team to develop and implement age appropriate curriculum for toddlers and/or preschoolers, and carry out the curriculum within the classroom in accordance with school’s philosophy, to ensure the smooth operation of all aspects of The Early Learning Center.

Primary duties and responsibilities

• Ensure the health and well-being of the children at the Center, including all aspects of physical and emotional nurturing, while maintaining a safe, stimulating, and comfortable environment, in accordance with Early Education & Care (EEC) regulations and the Center’s Parent Handbook;
• Assist teaching team with curriculum, including planning, preparation and set up of materials, and delivery of daily curriculum;
• Assist children with self-care and personal needs, including changing diapers according to EEC’s sanitary procedures, and tooth-brushing;
• Document information on each child’s development and progress on a regular basis to assist with composing meaningful Progress Reports, as the Director requests;
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents regarding their children, including participating in parent/teacher conferences as requested, parent/family functions, etc.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and meet with the Director on a regular basis to review concerns and professional development needs;
• Assume the responsibilities of the Director in their absence;
• Assist with heating and distribution of snacks and lunches, maintaining safe food handling policies and practices;
• Assist in maintaining and organizing the Center’s supplies and equipment to maintain a clean, safe, and orderly environment;
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures including evacuation and emergency procedures, in conformance with state and EEC standards and regulations;
• Attend 20 hours of professional development per year, annual CPR re-certification training, first aid training as needed; register, input, and update PQR training and educational hours on an annual basis;
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

• Job Specifications
• Associates Degree required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience working in a group child care setting with toddler and pre-school aged children
• EEC Lead Teacher Certification required
• Must provide documentation of good physical health and current immunizations every two years, as required by EEC
• Possess an understanding of child growth and development
• Possess general knowledge of nutrition, health, and first aid
• Possess strong and effective verbal communication skills
• Possess the ability to calmly handle stressful and emergency situations
• Demonstrate enjoyment of children
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and to serving the needs of a diverse community
• Ability to manage, and sensitivity to, highly confidential information
• Willingness to serve as a mandated reporter

• Physical Job Demands
• Ability to frequently move quickly
• Ability to frequently walk, stand, and stoop
• Ability to frequently lift and carry children weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to interact with children on the floor for extended periods of time
• Frequent close visual acuity to view a computer terminal, manage data and figures, and read
• Ability to frequently sustain substantial movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers

Compensation & Benefits

Deerfield Academy offers a competitive total compensation package, where base compensation or salary is just one component. Pay within the published range is determined by factors such as qualifications, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, allowing for growth and progression within the role.

We also offer a comprehensive suite of benefits to eligible employees, including

• Health &
• Financial: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b)-retirement plan; and employer-paid life and disability plans.
• Time
• Off: Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Campus
• Perks: Tuition remission, fitness center access and complimentary dining hall meals

See benefit plan details here [https://deerfield.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2526-benefits-guide-Revised-August-2025.pdf].

Working Conditions The worker is in a classroom and an office environment, but is also subject to the hazards of a kitchen where stoves and other appliances are utilized, as well as outside in the elements on a playground with children. Worker is subject to extremes in temperature, both hot and cold when outside. Worker is subject to bodily fluids from children.

Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.