Job Description

Join a Mission that Matters Lead Teacher

Help Create Safe, Welcoming Spaces Where Care and Learning Can Thrive

About Our Program

The infant/toddler program serves children from the age of six weeks until the age two years and eight months. The program is designed to promote feelings of belonging and loving care which help our youngest group of children to grow and develop to their full potential. Our preschool program serves children aged 2.5-4 years and is designed to meet the overall needs of preschoolers, and facilitate their development through age-appropriate experiences. Adelbrook Hilltop is a full child care center and provides extended care for school age children between the hours of ​6:30am-9am and 3:30pm-5:30pm. Our School Age Program offers a time for children to finish homework, enjoy outdoor time, read, play or create art.

The Hilltop Lead Teacher is responsible for the general supervision and management of pre-school and daycare classes for children between the ages of two years and ten months and five years of age. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma informed care in a therapeutic, supportive, and person-centered environment. The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing classroom activities for children in a preschool and daycare setting, fostering their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development in accordance with the mission and philosophy of the organization.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Adelbrook is a 24/7 operating Agency. Schedules are flexible, may include early mornings, evenings, overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, mandated overtime, mandated holds, and on call responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Plan, supervise, and implement daily educational and developmental activities based on individual needs and agency philosophy
• Lead classroom routines while promoting a safe, nurturing, and structured environment
• Gear the curriculum to the developmental needs, special talents, interests, and learning pace of each child
• Supervise children consistently, ensuring safety and well-being at all times
• Model and support respectful communication and positive behavior strategies
• Guide classroom staff and Teacher’s Assistants in carrying out daily responsibilities and curriculum execution
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment
• Decorate and personalize classroom spaces with children’s artwork and learning materials
• Prepare and supervise mealtime/snack activities
• Develop and distribute regular newsletters or updates for parents and guardians
• Communicate program needs and any concerns regarding children to the Director
• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and in-service training programs
• Report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect per agency protocols
• Promote awareness and respect for diversity and individual differences
• Support the integration of trauma-informed and therapeutic practices throughout the program
• Foster children's social development and positive peer interactions
• Promote children's awareness of nature, community, and respect for themselves and others
• Complete other duties as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES:

SKILLS:

• Strong leadership and classroom management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team
• Compassionate, patient, and flexible approach to care
• Organizational and planning abilities for curriculum development
• Time management and multitasking in a dynamic classroom setting
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving capabilities

KNOWLEDGE:

• Principles of early childhood education and development
• Best practices for supporting children with ASD and/or IDD
• Health and safety standards in early childhood settings
• State licensing requirements and educational standards
• Trauma-informed care and person-centered approaches
• Positive behavior supports and developmentally appropriate interventions
• Cultural competency and inclusive education strategies

ABILITIES:

• Establish and maintain nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environments
• Identify and respond to the individual needs of children
• Build supportive relationships with children, families, and staff
• Maintain composure in high-stress or crisis situations
• Adapt educational approaches based on assessment and observation
• Uphold confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Maintain physical ability to care for young children, including lifting and active

engagement

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Early Childhood Education,

Child Development, or a related field

• Minimum of two years’ experience in a preschool or childcare setting
• Previous experience working with children with ASD and/or IDD strongly preferred
• Must meet licensing agency qualifications for Lead Teacher status
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must pass background checks and health screening as required by state regulations

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed in residential, clinical, or community-based settings.
• May involve crisis response and physical intervention in accordance with training.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist individuals with daily living activities.
• Ability to be on feet for extended periods and participate in recreational or community-based activities with residents
• Exposure to behaviors that may require de-escalation or intervention

A job description is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility