Job Summary:

The lead teacher will lead a classroom team to provide a safe and engaging environment for children tailored to the age and developmental level of the classroom assigned. This includes active supervision of all classroom activities up to and including diaper changing/assisting with toileting, dressing, reading with children, leading group activities, craft preparation, playground supervision, feeding and supervision of meal times, cleaning and other duties as assigned. Lead teachers are responsible for planning and implementing educational activities and submitting weekly lesson plans. 

Education, License & Certification:

• •Lead teachers in a New York State licensed childcare center require an associate's degree in early childhood.

  or

• •a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or other Office-recognized credentials specific to the preschool developmental period. Or a plan of study leading to a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). Highschool Diploma Required.

  or

• •One year of experience related to caring for children and a Highschool Diploma with 9 college credits in Early Childhood Development.

For lead teachers working in infant or toddler classroom additional experience with children under the age of three years old is required. 

CPR/First aide preferred.

Responsibilities:

• •Ensures instructional activities are developmentally appropriate and reflects the children's individual interests and developmental levels. 

• •Completes required lesson plans and maintains accurate and timely documentation of all required activities and interactions.

• •Ensures that assigned equipment and materials are adequately maintained in safe working order and recommends new equipment as appropriate.

• •Maintains positive communications with child's parents/guardians and incorporates their recommendations into child's daily routine.

• •Ensures children are supervised at all times.

• •Ensures the environment is safe, clean and in good repair. Reports deficiencies to supervisor immediately.

• •Follows acceptable protocol when accepting children for child care coverage.

• •Interacts with children and parents appropriately.

• •Assists in maintaining the ordered arrangement, appearance, décor, and learning environment of the classroom while allowing for the expressive and creative involvement and interaction of children.

• •Participate in the cleaning of the classroom as listed on cleaning checklists.

• •Help to ensure required paperwork is completed correctly  in a timely and efficient manner.

• •Maintain positive child guidance techniques.

Revised: 12-17-2025

Pay rate ranges from $17.40-$24.83

Joining the Guthrie team allows you to become a part of a tradition of excellence in health care. In all areas and at all levels of Guthrie, you’ll find staff members who have committed themselves to serving the community.

The Guthrie Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit, integrated, practicing physician-led organization in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania. Our multi-specialty group practice of more than 500 physicians and 302 advanced practice providers offers 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities. Guthrie Medical Education Programs include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery Residency, as well as Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship programs. Guthrie is also a clinical campus for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.