Position Overview: The Educare Lead Teacher/ Assistant Director supports the overall leadership, planning, and daily operation of the Lake Area Technical College Children’s Educare Center. This individual assists in managing staff, ensuring compliance with all licensing regulations, fostering strong relationships with families, and upholding the mission and philosophy of Educare. The Lead Teacher/ Assistant Director plays a key role in maintaining a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environment for children, staff, and students enrolled in the Child Development program.

Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required.
• South Dakota Child Development Associate (CDA) credential may be considered depending on experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a licensed childcare setting required.
• Supervisory or leadership experience in an early childhood program strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of child development principles and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Knowledge of state childcare licensing regulations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and student population.
• Competency in basic computer systems for record-keeping and communication.

 

Reports to:  Educare Director, Vice President

 

Performance Responsibilities:

• Support the Director in leading the daily operations of Educare, ensuring the center reflects the college's commitment to early childhood excellence.
• Supervise and mentor teaching staff and student interns, providing feedback, training, and coaching.
• Assist in scheduling staff to maintain required adult-to-child ratios in all classrooms.
• Assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Director.
• Help develop and implement educational programming aligned with Educare’s philosophy of child development and state licensing standards.
• Support the integration of Lake Area Tech’s Child Development students into classroom environments, promoting quality hands-on learning experiences.
• Lead and monitor classroom activities to ensure consistency with developmentally appropriate practices and child safety standards.
• Serve as a resource and support to families enrolled in the program.
• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding their child’s development, well-being, and daily activities.
• Assist with family tours, enrollment, and orientation processes.
• Ensure compliance with all South Dakota licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and internal policies.
• Assist with the maintenance of accurate records including attendance, staff training, incident reports, and children’s developmental progress.
• Participate in inspections, audits, and quality improvement efforts.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, staff, college departments, and the broader Watertown community.
• Represent Educare at campus events and contribute to promotional and recruitment efforts.
• Learn and support the implementation of the Child Care Assistance program.
• Assist in budget monitoring in collaboration with the Director.
• Assist in the implementation and compliance of the food program according to federal guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and benefits set by the Watertown School District.

 

SALARY: $36,400.00 -$43,000.00