Position Overview
The Lead Teacher at the Child Development Center (CDC) is responsible for the daily operations of a classroom serving young children, including those with developmental delays or disabilities. This role includes overseeing health and safety, implementing individualized educational programming, mentoring staff and practicum students, and maintaining regulatory compliance. The Lead Teacher collaborates closely with CDC faculty, staff, families, and university partners to ensure high-quality learning experiences.
Job Description
40% - Staff Supervision and Development
- Supervise, train, and support classroom staff and practicum students
- Provide daily feedback and conduct performance observations
- Ensure accurate implementation of individualized child programming and data collection
- Facilitate daily team planning and "feed-forward" sessions
- Support new staff and students during orientation periods
30% - Health and Safety
- Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children in the classroom
- Follow CDC and KDHE guidelines on hygiene, diapering, sanitation, and medication
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment
20% - Classroom Compliance and Management
- Complete and maintain classroom paperwork and documentation
- Coordinate classroom set-up and program changes between semesters
- Ensure compliance with KDHE licensing standards and CDC policies
- Communicate facility or maintenance needs to CDC administration
10% - Communication and Collaboration
- Maintain classroom schedules and coordinate coverage with other supervisors
- Attend weekly team and supervisor meetings
- Communicate regularly with families about child progress and classroom activities
- Participate in family engagement events such as parent open house
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Meet and maintain KDHE Lead Teacher qualifications, as evidenced by application materials
- Minimum six months of experience in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or supervised practicum in a licensed program, as evidenced by work history
- Minimum six months of teaching experience in a licensed early childhood setting, as evidenced by work history
- Minimum of seven semester hours (or equivalent training) in areas such as child development, curriculum, nutrition, child guidance, parent education, or program administration
- Previous experience that required effective communication skills, as shown in application materials
- Previous experience working collaboratively in early childhood education settings, as shown in application materials
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in early childhood education, human development, special education, applied behavioral science, applied behavior analysis, or a related field
- One or more years of teaching experience in a licensed early childhood program
- Experience supporting children with and without developmental disabilities, ages 2 to 7, as evidenced by application materials
- Experience training, mentoring, or supervising classroom staff or practicum students, as evidenced by application materials
- Previous experience that required knowledge of behavioral principles and data-informed teaching practices, as evidenced by application materials
- Previous experience that required written communication skills, as evidenced by application materials
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete application consists of:
- online application
- CV/resume
- cover letter
- list of three professional references and their contact information
Application review begins July 28, 2025. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to that date.
Contact Information to Applicants
Erin Herschell
eherschell@ku.edu
785-864-3498
Advertised Salary Range
$17.50-$20.00/hr
Application Review Begins
Monday July 28, 2025
Anticipated Start Date
Monday August 11, 2025
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