Lead Teacher

The Office of the Chief
Administrative Officer (CAO) provides operations support services and business
solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers and staff. The CAO
organization comprises more than 650 technical and administrative staff working
in a variety of areas, including information technology, finance, budget
management, human resources, payroll, child care, food and vending,
procurement, logistics and administrative counsel.

The incumbent serves as a
Lead Teacher (Infant classroom) and is responsible for the day-to-day delivery
of exemplary child care services to the House Community. The duties and
responsibilities will be carried out under the direction of the Director. The
position has direct supervisory/managerial responsibilities.

PRIMARY
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for the
day-to-day delivery of child care services in assigned classroom. Ensure
quality and continuity of care in the classroom at all times. Provide and
coordinate care for children including changing diapers/toileting, feeding, and
comforting. Ensure all children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional needs are
met.

2. Be a leader in the
classroom, Child Care Center, and CAO team. Show initiative towards the
improvement of provided services by sharing ideas and participating in
meetings. Participate in special limited term and long-term projects and
initiatives. Participate in after action reviews and provide feedback as
appropriate. Coordinate and oversee all aspects of classroom operation. Train,
coach, and mentor staff, providing tools and resources. Model high quality
work, and demonstrate and promote ongoing reflection and growth. Hold regular
classroom team meetings and manage work-time schedules of team. Appropriately
address employee conflicts and disciplinary actions.

3. Prioritize health and
safety; includes, but not limited to: conduct daily child health and safety
checks, maintain child to staff ratios, provide active supervision of children,
be aware of all special health and dietary needs, monitor and respond
appropriately to illness & injury and emergency situations, follow cleaning
& sanitation guidelines, and utilize universal precautions. Immediately
raise/bring to Directors’ attention any relevant information or issues
concerning or related to staff, children, and/or families.

4. Coordinate and oversee
developmentally appropriate, child-centered curriculum and assessment planning,
implementation, and documentation. Prepare for and hold Parent-Teacher
Conferences, orientation meetings, and other parent meetings as needed. Support
children and families through transitions including enrollment and withdrawal,
between classrooms, to and from home each day, and between activities
throughout the day.

5. Maintain accurate
records and logs in a timely and organized fashion. Create and keep up-to-date
classroom handbooks, child portfolios, and NAEYC Classroom Portfolio.

6. Develop and maintain
familiarity and compliance with, and established systems for meeting all
applicable legal requirements, House Rules, Committee and CAO policies and
procedures, as well as specific House Child Care Center practices and
procedures. These include, but are not limited to: The Personnel Policies and
Procedures for the Officers and Inspector General, as well as the supplemental
policies and procedures thereof; CAO Work Schedule Policies; and National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.

7. Use materials and
resources effectively. Inform administration of unusual problems and
unanticipated constraints of resource requirements in a timely manner. Monitor
usage and inventory levels of all supplies and materials, and advise
Administrators of related needs and issues. Return relevant items to designated
storage areas and maintain organization throughout the classroom and Center.

8. Treat all children,
families, and staff with dignity and respect, allowing for individual
differences. Establish positive relationships with each child, family member,
and coworker. Communicate effectively and professionally orally and in writing.
Maintain confidentiality. Continually remain calm in challenging situations.
Utilize developmentally and situationally appropriate behavior management
techniques.

9. Seek and attend ongoing
professional development and demonstrate an attitude of continual growth.

10. Perform other duties as
assigned.

•   Academic
degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education,
or Early Childhood Special Education or higher (or equivalent).  Active CDA preferred. 

•  
Minimum 3 years experience and continued interest in working with young
children and their families in an early childhood setting.

•  
Demonstrated knowledge of basic child development as well as the ability to
understand the developmental progress and identify the needs of all applicable
children.

•  
Ability to understand child care educational research and/or best practices,
and convert/apply to the classroom.

•  
Ability to organize and plan effectively. Detail oriented with the ability to
work under stress, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

•  
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with tact, as well as the
ability to exercise judgement and discretion.

• 
Ability to sustain a high level of energy and a positive, professional
attitude.

• 
Proficient in using varied information and automated office systems to include
computers and mobile devices, MS Office, web-based systems, copier, phone, etc.

Additional
requirements:

•  
Ability to acquire and maintain Infant/Child/Adult CPR Certification. Required
within 30 days of hire date.

•  
Ability to acquire and maintain First Aid Certification. Required within 30
days of hire date.

•  
Ability to successfully complete an annual physical and tuberculosis test (at
the incumbent’s expense) prior to employment and annually thereafter (current
documentation may not be older than 12 months).

•  
Ability to maintain consistent and reliable attendance required. Flexibility
with scheduling and availability to work additional hours as needed.

•  
Ability to meet minimum physical requirements:

·   lift (from
floor) and carry up to fifty pounds

·   push a
crib/cart/stroller with up to 6 children for potentially long distances

·   carry
Classroom Go-Bag and other emergency supplies

·   move
equipment, furniture, and toys in and out of play areas

·   utilize fine
and medium hand manipulations.

·   assume
postures in low level positions including but not limited to bending, stooping,
squatting, kneeling and sitting on the floor 

·    agility
to move from a seated position to a standing position promptly to respond to
emergency situations

·   perform all
activities with children, including but not limited to standing, jumping,
dancing, walking, and running for extended periods of time

·   possess
hearing and visual capabilities necessary to monitor the environment and
children’s well-being

·   be outdoors
for regular, prolonged activities in a variety of temperatures and weather
conditions

 •        
Must be able to secure and maintain applicable security clearances.