The Early Childhood Teacher is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing developmentally appropriate and spiritually enriching programs for children in a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment. This role ensures compliance with state licensing requirements, the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal service procedures, and Lionheart Children’s Academy policies, while fostering positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
Classroom Duties
- Plan and deliver daily activities that support spiritual, social, emotional, and academic development, integrating Bible stories, prayer, and Christian values in age-appropriate ways.
- Supervise children by sight and sound at all times in accordance with licensing standards and required ratios; complete daily health checks.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and age-appropriate learning environment; follow sanitation and Safe Sleep practices.
- Use varied instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Track attendance, developmental milestones, and classroom routines consistently.
Regulatory & Compliance Duties
- Follow all state licensing regulations, NAC accreditation standards, and Lionheart policies.
- Support compliance with the CACFP by following meal service procedures
- Maintain all state and Lionheart-required trainings and certifications, including completion of pre-service and annual training requirements by due dates.
Family Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with families through daily communication.
- Share developmental milestones, learning progress, and spiritual growth updates.
- Respond promptly and professionally to family concerns.
Team & Academy Responsibilities
- Collaborate with co-teachers and floaters to ensure smooth classroom operations.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and academy events.
- Assist with housekeeping, laundry, and restocking supplies as needed.
- Demonstrate flexibility to serve across different age groups when needed.
- At least 18 years of age; high school diploma or GED required.
- Meets all state minimum standards and qualifications for an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher.
- Previous experience in a licensed child care facility is preferred but not required.
- Alignment with Lionheart’s mission and values.
- Positive peer and family relationships; willingness to grow and receive coaching.
- Criminal background check required.
Competencies
- Spiritual Alignment: Lives out Christ-centered values in daily interactions.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Works cooperatively with staff and leadership.
- Intentional Relationships: Builds trust with children, families, and staff.
- Heart to Serve: Joyfully serves with humility and strength.
- Tenacity & Adaptability: Perseveres through challenges and responds creatively to change.
- Effective Communication: Clearly communicates with teammates and supports positive family interactions.
Skills
- Safety & Compliance: Maintains sight-and-sound supervision, adheres to licensing, state quality, and CACFP requirements, and ensures a safe and clean classroom.
- Curriculum Support: Helps facilitate classroom activities and routines.
- Child Engagement: Builds nurturing, spiritually encouraging relationships with children.
- Documentation: Assists with attendance, care routines, and notes in support of Lead Teacher or Academy Leadership.
- Professional Communication: Supports positive family interactions and team collaboration.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Successful onboarding and retention of new teachers.
- Positive feedback from mentees, families, and team members.
- Compliance with all state licensing, NAC, CACFP, and safety standards.
- Accurate and timely completion of documentation.
- Demonstrated teamwork and alignment with Lionheart’s mission and values.
