Utah Valley University is seeking a Lead Childcare Instructor who plays a key role in supporting high-quality early childhood learning environments. This position is responsible for fostering healthy child development through active supervision, engaging and developmentally appropriate learning activities, and ongoing assessment of children’s progress, with results shared in a meaningful way with families. In addition to classroom leadership, the Lead Childcare Instructor provides mentorship and guidance to part-time instructors across multiple classrooms, helping ensure consistent instructional practices and adherence to established standards. This role offers the opportunity to shape positive early learning experiences while supporting and developing a collaborative teaching team.
Supervises children at all times and promotes healthy emotional and social development with effective communication. Assists with physical necessities, toileting/diapering, medical emergencies, etc. to provide proper care. Uses positive child guidance techniques to help children learn to manage their own behavior and models correct techniques for assistant teachers.
Manages team's daily tasks and teaching schedules in multiple classrooms. Mentors assistant teachers on classroom protocols, teaching strategies and instructional techniques. Partners with Center leadership to achieve enrollment, accreditation, and family engagement goals.
Develops and implements intentionally planned, age appropriate learning activities using Creative Curriculum Developmental Objectives. Conducts ongoing developmental assessments.
Maintains a healthy and safe environment for children by operating within state licensing guidelines and oversees daily classroom cleaning and sanitization. Conducts daily playground safety checks and maintains emergency backpacks. Functions as director designee when assigned to open or close Center and is available to work flexible eight hour shift between the hours of 6:30 am and 6:30 pm.
Keeps detailed records of child’s attendance, behavior, and development. Maintains continual communication with parents/guardians and management to discuss concerns, day-to-day problems, assessment outcomes, etc.
Perform other job related duties as assigned.
Associate’s degree in early childhood education or another child-related field with at least one year childcare experience under direct supervision OR hold a child development associate (CDA) certificate with two years of experience under direct supervision OR hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, elementary education, child development, sociology, psychology, human development and family studies, or another child-related field.
Must be at least 21 years old and be able to pass a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) background check and be willing to obtain a food handlers permit and first aid/CPR training.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child and Family Development, or equivalency plus two years experience and supervisory role in a professional childcare setting.
Knowledge
Child psychology and early developmental stages
Child care practice in a professional setting
Early childhood education curriculum development
Utah Childcare Licensing guidelines
Skills
Social perceptiveness and keen leadership skills in a classroom setting
Continuous coordination between children, parents/guardians, assistant teachers and management
Speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation
Read, write, understand and speak English to communicate effectively with children, parents/guardians, assistant teachers and management
Abilities
Maintain classroom order and schedule
Ability to follow oral and written procedures and instructions
Ability to work independently but with a willingness to take direction
Work effectively with diverse groups and backgrounds
Ability to carry small children in arms for short distances
Ability to move about on hands and knees and sit on the floor with children
Ability to work indoors or outdoors in all seasons
Team player and able to cover other responsibilities at Wee Care Center as needed
