Lead Infant Teacher
6 days ago
Buford
Job Description The Lead Toddler 1 Teacher is responsible for creating and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters growth in children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. This position requires leadership in classroom management, maintaining compliance with Georgia Bright from the Start (BFTS) and DECAL licensing standards, and creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment. The Lead Teacher serves as the primary educator in their assigned classroom, working closely with Assistant Teachers to deliver high-quality early childhood education aligned with BSKA's mission to educate, empower, and inspire children. This role requires strong communication with families, collaboration with center leadership, and commitment to continuous professional development. This is a performance-driven position with clear expectations for classroom quality, child development outcomes, family engagement, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and professionalism while contributing to BSKA's reputation as a Quality Rated early learning provider. Compensation$17- $20 Key Responsibilities A. Curriculum & Instruction • Design and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with Creative Curriculum and Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS), • Create engaging learning experiences that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, • Incorporate STEAM activities, Montessori-inspired principles, and play-based learning into daily routines, • Differentiate instruction to meet individual learning needs and developmental levels, • Maintain organized learning centers and age-appropriate classroom materials, • Supervise children at all times, maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios as required by BFTS licensing, • Implement positive behavior guidance strategies and establish clear classroom expectations, • Create a safe, clean, and organized learning environment that meets health and safety standards, • Conduct daily health checks and maintain accurate documentation of injuries, incidents, and behaviors, • Follow emergency procedures and participate in monthly safety drills, • Communicate daily with families through the Playground app (photos, updates, meal logs, attendance), • Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss child development and progress, • Respond promptly and professionally to parent questions and concerns, • Build strong, collaborative relationships with families to support children's learning at home, • Conduct ongoing developmental observations and assessments using approved tools, • Maintain accurate and up-to-date child portfolios documenting growth and learning, • Track attendance, meal participation, and daily activities in Playground, • Identify children who may need additional support and collaborate with center leadership and families, • Supervise and mentor Assistant Teachers and provide constructive feedback, • Delegate classroom responsibilities and ensure Assistant Teachers are actively engaged in teaching, • Attend staff meetings, professional development training, and center events, • Collaborate with Center Director and Assistant Director on classroom operations and improvements, • Ensure classroom is in compliance with BFTS and DECAL licensing regulations at all times, • Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification and complete required annual training hours, • Follow food program guidelines (CACFP) for meal service and documentation, • Complete timesheets accurately and submit by designated deadlines Education & Credentials • High school diploma or GED (required), • CDA (Child Development Associate) credential or higher education in Early Childhood Education (preferred), • Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire), • Must meet Georgia Bright from the Start staff qualification requirements, • Minimum 2 years of experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting, • Demonstrated knowledge of child development principles and age-appropriate practices, • Experience with Creative Curriculum, GELDS, or similar early learning frameworks (preferred), • Proficiency with technology including smartphones, tablets, and childcare management apps (Playground), • Strong written and verbal communication skills for parent interaction and documentation, • Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred but not required), • Genuine passion for early childhood education and child development, • Patient, nurturing, and responsive to children's needs, • Strong organizational and time management skills, • Collaborative team player with leadership qualities, • Professional demeanor and commitment to high ethical standards, • Creative, flexible, and adaptable to changing classroom needs Reports to: Center Director and/or Assistant Director Supervises: Assistant Teachers and classroom volunteers Collaborates with: • Other Lead Teachers and teaching staff, • Administrative team and kitchen staff, • Next Gen ABA Therapy staff (for children receiving services) if applicable Schedule • Full-time schedule: Monday–Friday during center operating hours, • Shifts may vary based on center needs (typical range: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM), • Assigned to one of BSKA's two locations:, • Midtown Atlanta: 635 Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, • Complete mandatory annual training hours as required by BFTS, • Maintain current knowledge of early childhood best practices and Georgia regulations, • Uphold professional ethics and confidentiality in all interactions, • Support organizational culture focused on quality, family partnership, and continuous improvement