Job Details

About McGehee School

Louise S. McGehee School, founded in 1912, is an Independent PreK-12th all-girls school located in the historic Garden District neighborhood of New Orleans. Louise S. McGehee School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is open to all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status or other applicable protected classification. For more information, please visit www.mcgeheeschool.com .

About Little Gate Camp

Little Gate Camp feels like childhood the way it's meant to be-slow, joyful, and full of wonder. In our Reggio-inspired classrooms, small groups of Little Gate students explore, create, and connect with teachers who know them deeply. Days unfold with simplicity and variety-water play and storytelling, painting under our beloved cypress tree - Windy, collecting treasures, and sharing discoveries. It's an intimate, community-rooted summer where learning feels like play and every moment invites curiosity, joy, and belonging.

Next summer, we will host campers between the ages of 1- 4 years of age on our campus for a total of eight weeks in June and July. We are looking for energetic and enthusiastic Lead Counselor candidates who can help us bring this vision to life.

Position Summary

A Lead Counselor cultivates a joyful, safe, and curiosity-driven environment for young children (ages one to four) within our Reggio-inspired summer program. This role blends the nostalgic magic of summer camp-slow days filled with wonder, friendship, and exploration-with the intentionality of an early learning center.

Lead Counselors guide daily experiences, support children's emerging interests, and model high-quality interactions that honor each child's competence, individuality, and creativity. Each Lead Counselor partners with an Assistant Counselor and receives support from Camp Directors for weekly themes, planning, communication, and daily operations.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities
Curriculum, Exploration & Daily Experiences

• Facilitate daily explorations rooted in children's interests, weekly themes, and the natural environment.
• Lead daily morning gatherings that invite dialogue, collaborative thinking, and hands-on exploration.
• Integrate art, storytelling, sensory play, outdoor learning, water play, and loose-parts exploration.
• Observe children's play and questions to inform planning and support shared discovery.

• Build warm, responsive relationships with children and families.
• Model respectful communication, co-regulation, and positive guidance.
• Support emerging social skills, conflict negotiation, emotional expression, and independence.
• Foster a classroom environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and belonging.

• Guide and mentor the Assistant Counselor through clear communication and shared expectations.
• Delegate tasks thoughtfully and provide constructive feedback when needed.
• Participate in daily team reflections and planning.
• Communicate professionally with families and keep Camp Directors informed of camper needs or concerns.

• Ensure constant supervision and maintain awareness of children's locations and engagement.
• Manage transitions, attendance, and routines with attention to detail.
• Follow all licensing guidelines, safety procedures, and camp policies.
• Promote a safe emotional environment through positive behavior support and timely redirection.
• Use Seesaw/Brightwheel as directed for communication and documentation.

• CDA, Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood or related field.
• Ability to pass background checks and complete required licensing training.
• Genuine passion for working with young children.
• Strong communication skills with children, families, and coworkers.
• Ability to collaborate, take direction, and contribute to a positive environment.
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

• Experience in play-based or Reggio-inspired settings.
• Experience with Seesaw, Brightwheel, or similar platforms.

• Frequent outdoor work in summer heat and humidity.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods.
• Ability to sit, kneel, bend, or squat at child level.
• Ability to respond quickly to physical and behavioral needs.
• Stamina to maintain energy and focus throughout a camp day.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs to shoulder height and 50 lbs to waist height, climb stairs, and move around a large campus.
• Must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodations.