Lead Preschool Teacher (Full Time) in Charlottesville, Virginia at ACAC Charlottesville

FLSA Classification: Nonexempt

Reports to: Preschool Director

Summary/objective

acac Preschool Teachers are responsible for organizing and leading activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development. They are responsible for preparing materials and classrooms for class activities in a safe, organized, and productive manner. Preschool Teachers will adhere to acac policies and procedures associated with this position, as well as follow Virginia Department of Social Services licensing standards at all times.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support children's social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported.
• Lead daily classroom routines while promoting independence, problem-solving, and positive social interactions.
• Develop weekly lesson plans that align with the program's curriculum and the developmental needs of the children.
• Observe, assess, and document children's progress, using observations to guide instruction and individualize learning experiences.
• Maintain consistent, professional communication with families by completing daily reports and providing regular updates through the Tadpole app (using school-provided devices), while sharing information about classroom activities, children's progress, milestones, and any concerns.
• Guide children's behavior using positive classroom management strategies that encourage respect, responsibility, and self-regulation.
• Supervise and actively engage with children throughout the day, maintaining required staff-to-child ratios and ensuring children remain within sight and sound supervision at all times.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of every child by following all acac Preschool policies and Virginia Department of Social Services licensing regulations.
• Collaborate with assistant teachers and other staff members to maintain a positive, organized, and effective classroom environment.
• Mentor and support assistant teachers by providing guidance, delegating classroom responsibilities, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and inviting classroom that encourages exploration and learning.
• Complete required classroom documentation, including attendance, incident reports, developmental assessments, and other program records, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and school events as required.
• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, flexibility, and teamwork while providing exceptional service to children, families, and fellow team members.

Full Time Benefits include

• Generous Team Member Preschool Tuition Discount
• Paid Time Off
• Complementary Gym Membership for the entire family
• Medical, Dental & Vision plans
• Voluntary Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability coverage’s
• Supplemental Accident & Critical Illness plans
• Employee Discount on Personal Training, Swim lessons, Cafe & Logo Shop Purchases, and more!

Physical demands

• Must be able to stand, move, walk, and bend for the duration of a shift
• Must be able to participate in indoor and outdoor activities
• Must be able to frequently lift, move, or hold children
• Must be able to work professionally and calmly in an environment which may have heightened noise and stress

Required competencies, education, and experience

• College Degree preferred
• High School Diploma required
• Must meet Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) licensing requirements for a Lead Teacher.
• Prior experience with preschool and/or youth programming highly desired.
• Must be at least 18 years old

Company Expectations

• Read, sign, and abide by the policies included in the Team Member Handbook
• Park in team member designated areas
• Club cleanliness is an all-team responsibility; assist whenever necessary in any area of the club to keep club neat and clean
• Attend mandatory Personal Training meetings
• Assist with Service Days, as assigned by Supervisor
• Assist with club programs, special events, or activities, as assigned by Supervisor
• Promptly respond to work-related correspondence
• Exhibit a positive attitude at all times
• Deliver outstanding service to members and guests, following acac’s Five*Star principles
• Must have genuine interest in working with and interacting with children
• Ability to successfully pass VDSS required background checks
• Assist with acac programs, special events, or activities outside your department

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

acac is an equal opportunity employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.