Float Lead Teacher
Float Lead Teacher Job Description
WHALE is the first non-profit respite care facility in Greeley, Colorado for children with disabilities. At WHALE, we build inclusive communities where families who have children with delays/disabilities THRIVE through equal opportunities to live, learn, and play!
Position Overview: The Float Early Childhood Lead Teacher will provide dynamic leadership and adaptable support across various classrooms (infant, toddler, preschool, and school age). This role requires flexibility to step into different classroom settings, ensuring consistent, high-quality education and care. The Float Lead Teacher will implement individualized curricula, foster inclusive learning environments, and collaborate with staff and families to promote each child's development.
As a Float Lead Teacher, you will be required to plan and lead classroom activities, build relationships with children through play and conversation, work cooperatively with co-teachers and other staff, and ensure that the learning environment remains safe at all times. You should also be an excellent role model for our students!
To be successful as Float Lead Teacher, you should be creative, energetic, passionate, and able to encourage self-expression. Top candidates will possess a thorough understanding of child development, including working with children with delays and disabilities, the importance of the environment, and the integral role relationship-building plays in early childhood development.
Key Responsibilities:
Classroom Leadership and Support:
Serve as the lead teacher in various classrooms as needed, providing continuity and stability in the absence of regular lead teachers.
Adapt to different classroom environments, age groups, and developmental needs, ensuring seamless transitions and minimal disruption to daily routines.
Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
Supervise and mentor assistant teachers and support staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team atmosphere.
Implement positive behavior support strategies to promote social-emotional development.
Curriculum Implementation:
Develop and implement individualized, developmentally appropriate lesson plans that cater to the diverse needs of children with disabilities, utilizing our Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum and resources.
Utilize various instructional techniques and materials to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
Child Supervision and Care
Supervise children, ensuring their safety at all times.
Administer medications as needed.
Perform light housekeeping duties such as cleaning up after snacks/meals, laundry, vacuuming, etc.
Understand and manage medical records (i.e. medications and allergies) and authorizations (i.e. sunscreen, bug spray, media release, sleep environment) for each child within the classroom and update records as needed.
Perform any other duties as assigned.
Child Assessment and Documentation:
Observe and assess each child's progress, maintaining accurate and confidential records in compliance with center policies and state regulations.
Communicate effectively with families regarding their child's development, achievements, and any concerns.
Complete all paperwork and documentation required by the state/county, healthcare professionals, grantors, and others as needed.
Collaborate and communicate consistently with therapists, special educators, and other specialists to ensure individualized care plans are implemented effectively.
Safety and Compliance:
Ensure a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment that meets the health and safety standards set by the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Stay informed about and comply with all state licensing requirements and best practices in early childhood education for children with disabilities.
Professional Development:
Ensure adherence to all Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements – a copy of the current Rules and Regulations is available at WHALE Respite Center (both English and Spanish versions are available).
Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to early childhood education, as determined by the Department.
Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and collaborative planning with colleagues.
Attend and participate in staff meetings.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
Possess a current Early Childhood Professional Credential level 2 or higher in Version 3.0 as determined by the Department
Certifications:
Current Infant and Child CPR/First Aid certification (preferred).
Completion of state-mandated training, as determined by the Department, including any continuing education that would allow WHALE Respite Center to reach the next Shines Level.
Skills:
Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education, especially concerning children with disabilities.
Excellent adaptability and problem-solving skills to effectively manage transitions between classrooms.
Proficient in creating inclusive lesson plans that address diverse learning needs.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with staff and engage with families.
Job Type: Seasonal, Full-time, Monday through Friday
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
All staff must adhere to all Department of Early Childhood Division of Early Learning, Licensing, and Administration Child Care Facility Licensing Rules and Regulations 8 CCR 1402-1 Sections 2.100 General Rules for Child Care Facilities, 2.200 Rules Regulating Child Care Centers that Provide Less than 24-hour Care, and 2.600 Rules Regulating Special Activities in their entirety.
Any staff member who possesses a PDIS Level 2 Credential must adhere to the Licensing Rules and Regulations that apply to a PDIS Level 2 regardless of title/position within WHALE Respite Center. If any applicant for a Lead Teacher position possesses a PDIS Level 3 or higher, they must adhere to the Licensing Rules and Regulations that apply to their PDIS Level.