JOB SUMMARY:
The Hilltop Lead Teacher is responsible for the general supervision and management of pre-school and daycare classes for children between the ages of two years and ten months and five
years of age. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care in a
therapeutic, supportive, and person-centered environment. The Lead Teacher is responsible for
planning, implementing, and overseeing classroom activities for children in a preschool and
daycare setting, fostering their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development in
accordance with the mission and philosophy of the organization.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Adelbrook is a 24/7 operating Agency. Schedules are flexible, may include early mornings,
evenings, overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, mandated overtime, mandated holds, and
on call responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Plan, supervise, and implement daily educational and developmental activities based on
individual needs and agency philosophy
• Lead classroom routines while promoting a safe, nurturing, and structured environment
• Gear the curriculum to the developmental needs, special talents, interests, and learning
pace of each child
• Supervise children consistently, ensuring safety and well-being at all times
• Model and support respectful communication and positive behavior strategies
• Guide classroom staff and Teacher’s Assistants in carrying out daily responsibilities and
curriculum execution
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment
• Decorate and personalize classroom spaces with children’s artwork and learning
materials
• Prepare and supervise mealtime/snack activities
• Develop and distribute regular newsletters or updates for parents and guardians
• Communicate program needs and any concerns regarding children to the Director
• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and in-service training
programs
• Report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect per agency protocols
• Promote awareness and respect for diversity and individual differences
• Support the integration of trauma-informed and therapeutic practices throughout the
program
• Foster children's social development and positive peer interactions
• Promote children's awareness of nature, community, and respect for themselves and
others
• Complete other duties as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES:

SKILLS:
• Strong leadership and classroom management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team
• Compassionate, patient, and flexible approach to care
• Organizational and planning abilities for curriculum development
• Time management and multitasking in a dynamic classroom setting
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving capabilities

KNOWLEDGE:
• Principles of early childhood education and development
• Best practices for supporting children with ASD and/or IDD
• Health and safety standards in early childhood settings
• State licensing requirements and educational standards
• Trauma-informed care and person-centered approaches
• Positive behavior supports and developmentally appropriate interventions
• Cultural competency and inclusive education strategies

ABILITIES:
• Establish and maintain nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environments
• Identify and respond to the individual needs of children
• Build supportive relationships with children, families, and staff
• Maintain composure in high-stress or crisis situations
• Adapt educational approaches based on assessment and observation
• Uphold confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Maintain physical ability to care for young children, including lifting and active
engagement

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
• Associate’s Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Early Childhood Education,
Child Development, or a related field
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a preschool or childcare setting
• Previous experience working with children with ASD and/or IDD strongly preferred
• Must meet licensing agency qualifications for Lead Teacher status
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must pass background checks and health screening as required by state regulations

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Work is performed in residential, clinical, or community-based settings.
• May involve crisis response and physical intervention in accordance with training.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist individuals with daily living activities.
• Ability to be on feet for extended periods and participate in recreational or communitybased activities with residents
• Exposure to behaviors that may require de-escalation or intervention

A job description is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility