Job Summary:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing daily educational and developmental activities in a childcare classroom setting. This role ensures a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children while supervising assistant teachers and maintaining compliance with state and center regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum & Instruction:

  • Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with early childhood standards (DAP).

  • Facilitate daily educational activities that promote cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth.

  • Foster a supportive classroom culture that promotes inclusion, respect, and learning.

• Classroom Management:

  • Supervise and guide assistant teachers and aides to ensure high-quality instruction and care.

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

  • Observe and document child development and behavior; assess learning outcomes.
  • Provide meals and snacks to the children that their parents pack. 

• Parent & Family Engagement:

  • Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding their child’s progress and needs.

  • Conduct parent-teacher conferences and participate in family engagement activities.

  • Serve as a resource for parents on child development and center policies.

• Compliance & Recordkeeping:

  • Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, assessments, and lesson plans per OELDS.

  • Adhere to state licensing regulations and center policies on health, safety, and child ratios.

  • Administer emergency procedures and report concerns to appropriate personnel.
  • Use BrightWheel software to track and post classroom and children schedules for nap, meals, wellness, and any other needs that come up. 

• Team Collaboration:

  • Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.

  • Collaborate with peers and administrators to promote a positive workplace culture.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • High school degree to greater 

  • Current CDA (Child Development Associate) may be accepted in lieu of degree in some cases.

• Experience:

  • Preference of 1–2 years experience in a licensed childcare or early learning center.

• Certifications:

  • CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

  • Background check clearance required per state regulations.

• Skills:

  • Strong understanding of early childhood development principles.

  • Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

  • Ability to manage a dynamic classroom and resolve conflicts constructively.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.

• Active work requiring frequent standing, bending, sitting on the floor, and movement.

• Exposure to noise, potential illness, and varying indoor/outdoor environments.