DW Bridges LLC Hiring for Lead Teacher Montessori Inspired Job at West Des Moines, IA Full Time

The work of Dr. Maria Montessori inspires our child care center and preschool. Our School is designed with you in mind – parents who desire a unique and high-quality care and preschool experience nestled in a warm and inviting environment for their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age. We believe that children are the greatest gift of life.

General Summary

The Lead Teacher is responsible for leading the assigned classroom in developing a cooperative working team among the staff members in that classroom to produce a productive and prepared learning environment. The Lead Teacher partners with parents, colleagues, and community professionals in a safe and healthy environment to provide nurturing care and developmentally appropriate education to meet children’s educational, physical, and emotional needs.

Essential Functions

• Provide high-quality care in a group setting that meets diverse needs and promotes the healthy development of children.
• Ensures positive communication with families through regular verbal and written contact regarding the program, children’s progress, opportunities for involvement, unique concerns, and family needs; conducts parent/teacher interviews and case conferences as required.
• Assist with planning a stimulating, developmentally appropriate program incorporating Montessori methods and materials following organizational and legal guidelines, which incorporates independent and self-directed learning experiences meeting both group and individual children’s needs, varied daily activities, opportunities for child-directed play and cross-cultural, anti-racist, and non-sexist learning; participates in developing individual program plans to meet the unique needs of children; records program plans.
• Provides supervision of the children; implements program plans daily; prepares appropriate materials and equipment and sets up areas for planned activities; provides a welcoming and nurturing environment by demonstrating ongoing affection, acceptance, and support of each child; guides and assists children in activities, routines and transition times; teaches appropriate behaviors and skills through modeling, counseling, mediating, observing, questioning, demonstrating and reinforcing; implements therapy suggestions as required.
• Assists the Co-Teacher with evaluating the program and development of individual children; observes, assesses, and records children’s progress and behavior; recommends group program and teaching modifications to meet needs better; assists with identifying and informing the Director/Owner of special needs, which may require referral.
• Attends to physical needs of children; instructs and assists in developing self-help skills such as washing, dressing, toileting, and eating, as necessary; attends to diapering needs; feeds children and ensures special dietary requirements are met; ensures children are clean, dry, and dressed appropriately.
• Maintains a healthy and safe environment; administers and maintains records of medication and first aid; records and reports accidents and severe occurrences; operates and ensures the safety of all equipment, including special needs equipment as required; monitors children’s health, records, and reports on illness and unique health conditions; cleans and disinfects toys and activity areas and carries out other program related housekeeping duties; monitors location for health and safety hazards; opens and secures facility.
• Participates within a team to ensure the ongoing administration and coordination of the program’s activities and certifications; records attendance; adjusts the schedule to ensure staff ratios are maintained; arranges replacement as required; participates in agency activities and committee meetings and consults with community professionals; monitors and reports on needed supplies; adheres to outside grant or certification application and award guidelines (i.e., QRS, Reach for the Stars); keeps Director/Owner advised of pertinent information.
• Participates in professional development through education and training, both in-house and external, to maintain Iowa DHS approval to work in a licensed child care center and keep up to date with developments in the field.
• Respects confidentiality and relates to parents, children, and other staff members professionally and ethically.
• Accomplish ‘To Do’ priorities as assigned
• Provide prompt, friendly, and attentive service
• Adhere to Alphabet Academy policies and philosophies
• Exhibit an attitude of professionalism and service
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Experience

• Experience working in education, childcare, or adult care fields
• Experience with Montessori teaching methods beneficial

Education

• High school diploma or GED required
• Higher education preferred, such as a Certification/Certificate or Associates Degree or higher.
• Child-related experience or degree preferred
• Education and/or experience in Montessori teaching methods beneficial

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be able to pass Iowa DHS and FBI background checks
• Must maintain Iowa DHS approval to work in a licensed childcare center
• Primary computer and math skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Reliable transportation
• Maintain a positive and professional work environment
• Passion for children and education
• Attention to detail
• Willing to learn all areas of the center and help train others
• Proven track record of being a team player
• Availability must be flexible to the needs of the business
• The minimum age requirement is 18 years of age

Physical Requirements (with or without accommodation)

• Ability to walk and be on feet for up to 12 hours a day
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend repeatedly

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Benefits:

• Dental Insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• First Aid & CPR Certification (Preferred)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $12.75 – $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• West Des Moines, IA 50266: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: One location