Lead Preschool Teacher

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires an inspiring and dedicated Lead Preschool Teacher to join our family and champion our educational mission. In this pivotal role, you will be the heart of the classroom, responsible for orchestrating a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually. As a leader, you will not only guide our young learners through a world of discovery but also mentor and support your fellow teaching staff, fostering a collaborative and positive team culture. If you have a deep understanding of child development, a passion for creating engaging curriculum, and a natural ability to connect with children and their families, we encourage you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Preschool Teacher
Early Childhood Educator
Senior Assistant Teacher

Advancement To:

Assistant Preschool Director / Center Director
Curriculum Coordinator / Education Specialist
Early Childhood Education Consultant

Lateral Moves:

Kindergarten Teacher
Special Education Teacher (Early Childhood)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and implement a dynamic, play-based curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and aligns with our school's educational philosophy and state learning standards.
Create and maintain a safe, clean, and inviting classroom environment that encourages exploration, independence, and respect among all children.
Lead the classroom teaching team, providing mentorship, guidance, and daily support to assistant teachers and aides to ensure a cohesive and effective educational experience.
Conduct ongoing, systematic observations and assessments of each child's developmental progress (social, emotional, physical, and cognitive) using approved tools and portfolios.
Foster a strong partnership with parents through regular, open, and meaningful communication, including daily updates, newsletters, and formal parent-teacher conferences.
Establish and manage consistent classroom routines, transitions, and positive behavior guidance strategies to create a predictable and secure learning atmosphere.
Adapt curriculum and teaching methods to meet the diverse and individual needs of all children, including those with varying abilities and learning styles.
Plan, prepare, and execute engaging, hands-on learning activities across all domains, including literacy, math, science, art, music, and dramatic play.
Serve as the primary point of contact for classroom-related parent inquiries, building trust and rapport with families to support each child's development.
Model best practices in early childhood education for the entire teaching team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
Facilitate the social and emotional development of children, guiding them in developing empathy, self-regulation, problem-solving skills, and positive peer relationships.
Ensure all classroom activities and procedures adhere to state licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and school policies.
Lead curriculum planning meetings with your teaching team, delegating tasks and empowering assistant teachers to contribute to the educational program.
Maintain detailed and confidential records for each child, including attendance, developmental progress reports, anecdotal notes, and incident reports.

Secondary Functions

Manage the classroom budget for supplies and materials, inventorying existing resources and submitting purchase requests as needed to support curriculum goals.
Collaborate with fellow lead teachers and administration to plan and participate in school-wide events, such as holiday celebrations, family nights, and community outreach programs.
Participate actively in staff meetings, professional development workshops, and ongoing training to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
Assist the Center Director in orienting and training new teaching staff, providing them with practical support as they integrate into the school community.
Create and maintain rich, child-centered displays of children's artwork and learning experiences throughout the classroom and hallways.
Uphold the mission, values, and educational philosophy of the school in all interactions with children, parents, and colleagues.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Curriculum Development: Proven ability to design and implement comprehensive, age-appropriate lesson plans based on early childhood education principles (e.g., Reggio Emilia, Montessori, play-based).
Child Development Knowledge: Deep understanding of developmental milestones, learning theories, and the cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children aged 2-5.
Classroom Management: Expertise in creating a structured, positive classroom environment using proactive strategies and positive discipline techniques.
Early Childhood Assessment: Experience with formal and informal assessment tools (e.g., Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), DRDP, work sampling) to track and communicate student progress.
Health & Safety Compliance: Current First Aid and CPR certification; thorough knowledge of state licensing requirements and child care health and safety protocols.
Parent Communication Platforms: Proficiency in using digital communication tools (e.g., Brightwheel, Tadpoles, Procare) to engage with families.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Mentoring: Natural ability to guide, motivate, and develop a team of assistant teachers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Patience & Empathy: A calm, patient, and compassionate demeanor, with the ability to connect with and understand the unique needs and feelings of young children and their families.
Exceptional Communication: Clear, professional, and warm verbal and written communication skills for interacting with children, parents, and staff.
Creativity & Innovation: A creative mindset for designing engaging learning experiences and solving classroom challenges.
Organizational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail for managing records, planning, and maintaining an orderly classroom.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to the changing needs of the children and the dynamic pace of a preschool environment.
Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to effectively address and resolve classroom conflicts or developmental concerns.
Collaboration: A team-player attitude with a commitment to working effectively with colleagues and administration to achieve shared goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development, OR a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential with significant experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, or a closely related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Early Childhood Education
Child Development
Elementary Education (with an Early Childhood concentration)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of direct teaching experience in a licensed preschool or early childhood center.

Preferred:

At least 1 year of experience in a leadership capacity within a classroom, such as mentoring assistant teachers or acting as a team lead.