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About us:
When you join the Arrowleaf team, you are committing to a meaningful career where your work will make a difference for your neighbors throughout Southern Illinois and strengthen our region as a whole. You’ll have a chance to build well-being not just for the people you work with, but for yourself as well, as you gain life-changing experiences, enjoy highly competitive benefits, and experience unmatched opportunities for advancement.
Mission:Arrowleaf’s mission is to help all Southern Illinoisans reach their full potential. We provide resources and opportunities that support individuals of all ages so they can thrive, make our communities more vibrant, and build economic prosperity that benefits everyone.
Vision:We envision a Southern Illinois where all individuals are contributing to a community that is safe and vibrant for everyone.
Visit our website: myarrowleaf.org/employment to learn more about Arrowleaf
Job Title:Lead Teacher
Home Office: Little Leaves Learning Center (LLLC) - Vienna, IL
Immediate Supervisor: Program Director - Christie Rodgers
Lead TeacherMinimum Qualifications: Minimum age of 19 required, High school diploma or GED required, MACTE-accredited, AMS, or AMI Montessori teacher certification (birth to age 12) may substitute for the required child development coursework, along with one of the following:
60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of college credit, including 6 semester hours in childcare or child development (birth to age 6)
1,560 clock hours (one year) of experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center plus 30 semester hours of college credit, including 6 semester hours in childcare or child development
A department-approved credential such as CDA, CCP, Gateways ECE Credential Level 3 or higher, or Gateways Infant Toddler Credential Level 3 or higher.
Lead TeacherSkills & Competencies: Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate learning activities. Basic knowledge of childcare practices, health, safety, and sanitation procedures. Demonstrates the ability to establish positive, nurturing relationships with children. Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, teachers, and staff. Skilled in working cooperatively as part of a classroom team. Patience, flexibility, and adaptability when working with young children. Strong observation and interpersonal skills. Ability to support classroom routines, learning activities, and transitions. Proficient in using positive behavior guidance and respond appropriately to children’s needs. Sensitivity to cultural, developmental, and individual differences among children. Ability to maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and supportive classroom environment.
Lead TeacherJob duties include, but not limited to:
Always maintain required staff-child ratios and group sizes, including outdoors, on field trips, at shift changes and during transitions; follow the ratio for the youngest child present (407.190).
Keep accurate attendance; confirm arrivals and departures with families so headcounts stay current.
Lead monthly fire drills, tornado drills and Arrowleaf safety drills (active shooter, earthquake); know the classroom shelter location and account for every child by name.
Report facility hazards and unsafe equipment to the Director promptly.
Plan and post a daily program using the Experience Curriculum by Brightwheel with Montessori-inspired activities, regular routines, a balance of active and quiet play, and free choice (407.200).
Set up learning centers: art, dramatic play, music, sensory, language arts, science, math/manipulatives and large motor.
Complete ASQ developmental screenings, with parent consent, at enrollment, at classroom transitions and at the start of each school year.
Document learning in Brightwheel with photos, narratives and anecdotal records, and use it to plan curriculum and family conferences.
Write and carry out individual plans with families and resource staff when needed.
Record feedings and diapering and share daily written reports with parents.
Use only positive guidance under the Pyramid Model: redirection, natural and logical consequences, anticipating problems and encouraging cooperation.
Follow handwashing, diapering, toileting and sanitizing procedures; clean and disinfect infant/toddler toys daily.
Apply the illness exclusion policy: isolate and supervise an ill child, call parents for pickup within 30 minutes, and complete the Illness Verification form.
Give prescription medication only with written provider authorization, in the original labeled container, after training from the parent (teachers and the Director only).
Send daily written communication through Brightwheel and contribute to the monthly newsletter.
Release children only to parents, guardians or people on the authorized pick-up list; check photo ID for any new person.
Keep child records, screening results and family information confidential, during and after employment.
Report suspected abuse or neglect personally and immediately to the DCFS Hotline, 1-, then notify the Director.
Supervise, train, and assign duties to Assistant Teachers, Student/Youth Aides and volunteers in the classroom.
Through June 30, 2029, a Lead Teacher with 2,880 documented hours as a teacher at LLLC may be designated to open or close the center in the Director's absence (407.130(l)(4)).
Take part in center-wide decisions, staff meetings, parent conferences, and family events
Lead TeacherBenefit Package
Up to $50,000 life insurance policy
401(k) with company match for qualifying staff.