About the Role
The Lead Teacher provides high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school age. This role contributes to the daily operations of the classroom, promotes child development across all domains, and helps maintain a nurturing, safe, and organized learning environment.
Responsibilities
- Implement developmentally appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth in young children.
- Support daily care routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, and rest time.
- Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment in alignment with program standards.
- Observe and document developmental milestones.
- Provide respectful, responsive, and nurturing care to infants, toddlers and school age.
- Actively participate in classroom supervision, transitions, and engagement on the playground and in shared activity spaces.
- Collaborates with Teacher’s Assistants, co‑teachers, and administrative staff to ensure clear communication, consistency, and effective teamwork.
- Interact with families in a professional, supportive manner that encourages positive family engagement.
- Attend all required training courses, staff meetings, and professional development sessions.
- Comply with all OCFS licensing regulations and promptly report concerns or suspected violations to the appropriate staff.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field and/or Child Development Associate credential required.
- One year of experience working with children less than 13 years of age required.
- Current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications preferred.
- Ability to lift and carry children weighing 10–15 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
- Ability to kneel, bend, squat, stand, and sit on the floor or child-sized furniture for extended periods.
- Ambulatory ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors, including playgrounds and uneven terrain.
- Ability to actively engage with children during play and movement activities.
Skills
- Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, reliability, and a strong commitment to early childhood education.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills.
Location
- Rochester
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- One year of experience
Education Level
- Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field
- Child Development Associate credential
Benefits
- A comprehensive benefits package
- JCC membership, including access to facilities and programs
- Professional development opportunities
- Networking and community‑building events
- Opportunities to engage in meaningful Jewish cultural and communal activities
About the Company
- The JCC of Greater Rochester is a mission‑driven community organization rooted in Jewish values and open to individuals and families of all backgrounds.
- We serve as a welcoming hub for connection, learning, wellness, and belonging—advancing Jewish life while strengthening the broader community through inclusive programs and services.
- Our work is guided by the core Jewish values that shape how we care for people, steward our resources, and create spaces that are safe, supportive, and mission‑aligned: Kehillah – Community, Kavod – Respect and dignity, Hachnasat Orchim – Welcoming and belonging, Shmirat HaGuf – Care for the body and well‑being, Chesed – Compassion.
- The JCC Wolk Children’s Center is a premier early‑childhood community dedicated to nurturing the whole child.
- We create a warm, engaging environment where children learn through play, social interaction, and hands‑on exploration—because we understand that young learners thrive as constructivists.
- We follow the Creative Curriculum, a research‑based, field‑tested approach that supports developmentally appropriate learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
- Our program cultivates collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of community.
Equal Opportunity
- The JCC of Greater Rochester is an equal opportunity employer.
- We value diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive culture in which staff, members, and community partners can thrive.
- EOE Disability/Veteran
