Reports To: ECE Program Manager

Position Type: Non-Exempt, Full time

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Childcare Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. The Lead Teacher plans and implements engaging curriculum, promotes children's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development, and builds positive relationships with families. The Lead Teacher provides leadership within the classroom by supervising assistant teachers, ensuring compliance with licensing regulations, and maintaining high standards of quality early childhood education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership

• Plan, prepare, and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with state early learning standards.

• Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment that supports each child's individual needs.

• Foster children's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development through play-based learning.

• Maintain daily classroom schedules and routines that encourage learning and independence.

• Model positive guidance techniques and implement appropriate behavior management strategies.

Child Development & Assessment

• Observe, assess, and document children's developmental progress.

• Maintain accurate developmental assessments, portfolios, and required documentation.

• Identify developmental concerns and collaborate with families and specialists when appropriate.

• Individualize instruction based on children's developmental levels and interests.

Health & Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.

• Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations, health standards, and center policies.

• Supervise children at all times, maintaining appropriate teacher-to-child ratios.

• Follow established emergency procedures and administer first aid as certified.

Family Engagement

• Build positive partnerships with families through regular communication.

• Conduct parent conferences and provide updates on children's progress.

• Encourage family participation in classroom activities and center events.

• Respond professionally to family questions and concerns.

Staff Leadership

• Provide daily guidance and support to assistant teachers and classroom aides.

• Delegate classroom responsibilities effectively.

• Mentor new staff and model best practices in early childhood education.

• Collaborate with administration and teaching staff to improve program quality.

Classroom Management

• Maintain accurate attendance, incident reports, lesson plans, and classroom records.

• Organize classroom materials and learning centers.

• Ensure classrooms meet licensing and quality standards at all times.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential may be accepted based on state licensing requirements.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in an early childhood classroom.

• Previous experience leading a classroom preferred.

• Experience supervising or mentoring classroom staff is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development principles and early learning standards.

• Understanding of state childcare licensing regulations.

• Ability to develop engaging lesson plans and learning experiences.

• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

• Proficiency using classroom technology and child assessment systems.

Certifications (Required or Obtainable Upon Hire)

• CPR and First Aid Certification

• Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training

• Background check clearance

• Any state-required childcare training and continuing education

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

• Frequently bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor.

• Stand and walk for extended periods.

• Participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.

• Respond quickly in emergency situations.

Work Environment

The work environment includes classrooms, playgrounds, and other childcare settings. The position requires active engagement with young children throughout the day and collaboration with staff and families in a fast-paced environment.

Core Competencies

A successful Lead Teacher demonstrates:

• Child Development & Learning

• Classroom Management & Supervision

• Health, Safety & Transportation Compliance

• Family Engagement & Communication

• Collaboration & Professionalism

• Adaptability & Continuous Improvement