Shenandoah University’s Child Care Department is accepting applications for a lead teacher in the 2-year-old classroom. This is a full-time benefited position located in Winchester, Virginia. The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:45am -5:45pm.

Shenandoah University Childcare Center offers a warm, exciting, and friendly atmosphere. Teachers are eligible for all university benefits including university tuition reimbursement for self, dependents, and spouse. Shenandoah offers a competitive benefits package including additional university holidays.

The childcare center is an intricate part of our community. Our philosophy is that the well-rounded child develops through a variety of experiences and stimuli. Most importantly, we feel it is essential that each child develops a positive self-concept, feels loved, secure, and safe while in our care.

The lead teacher will:

• Maintain an organized classroom that is positive, safe, fun and educational for the children.
• Develop and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment – including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children. Change diapers and potty-train children when they are ready.
• Supervise teacher assistants and substitutes to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards. Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• *Other duties may be assigned and the job function may vary, as the position needs change.

Required Skills

Required Education Level and Experience:
Must be at least 21 years of age and meet ONE of the following educational requirements:

1. A Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and one year of programmatic experience.
2. Associate’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study with a minimum of 18 Credits in ECE and one year of programmatic experience.
3. An endorsement or bachelor’s degree in a child related field such as, but not limited to, elementary education, nursing, or recreation from a college or university and one year of programmatic experience;
4. A graduate degree in a child related field such as, but not limited to, elementary education, nursing, or recreation from a college or university and six months of programmatic experience

Required certifications, training, knowledge, and skills:
In addition to the educational component above, applicant must have the following:

• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• High energy, positive attitude and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Must have current Infant/Child/Adult CPR and First Aid certification.
• VA online Preservice Training (13 hours)
• TB screening (no sooner than 30 days before start date)
• Must clear full background check, fingerprinting and must pass urine drug screening
• Annually receive 16 hours in-service training and attend staff meetings.
• Requirements also include the ability to lift at least 50 pounds, have physical dexterity, have the ability to reach arms above head, and be able to kneel, bend, squat and crawl.

Required Experience

How to Apply:

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through its faculty, administration, and staff diversity. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing how they can contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check and urine screening will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Required Education Level and Experience:
Must be at least 21 years of age and meet ONE of the following educational requirements:

1. A Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and one year of programmatic experience.
2. Associate’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study with a minimum of 18 Credits in ECE and one year of programmatic experience.
3. An endorsement or bachelor’s degree in a child related field such as, but not limited to, elementary education, nursing, or recreation from a college or university and one year of programmatic experience;
4. A graduate degree in a child related field such as, but not limited to, elementary education, nursing, or recreation from a college or university and six months of programmatic experience

Required certifications, training, knowledge, and skills:
In addition to the educational component above, applicant must have the following:

• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• High energy, positive attitude and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Must have current Infant/Child/Adult CPR and First Aid certification.
• VA online Preservice Training (13 hours)
• TB screening (no sooner than 30 days before start date)
• Must clear full background check, fingerprinting and must pass urine drug screening
• Annually receive 16 hours in-service training and attend staff meetings.
• Requirements also include the ability to lift at least 50 pounds, have physical dexterity, have the ability to reach arms above head, and be able to kneel, bend, squat and crawl.