Pre-K Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher

Qualifications:

The person selected for this position must possess a warm, friendly personality, be sensitive to the feelings and needs of other, be able to relate well with children, and be willing to fulfill job responsibilities in accordance with the program philosophy. The person must be able to maintain a professional attitude toward the children, the families, and the staff at all times, and be able to communicate professionally and openly. This person should be a model, demonstrating the kinds of values, attitudes, expectations, beliefs, and choices that make our center excellent.

• Must meet NC Pre-K Lead Teacher qualifications, including one of the following:
• A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field with BK (Birth–Kindergarten) licensure or eligibility for licensure in North Carolina
• Prior experience teaching preschool-aged children in a licensed early learning setting required; NC Pre-K experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of Creative Curriculum, NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development, and early learning assessment tools (e.g., GOLD®)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a passion for building strong family partnerships
• Must pass all required background checks and health screenings in accordance with DCDEE regulations
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Responsibilities: Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement Creative Curriculum-based lesson plans that support all domains of development and meet NC Pre-K program standards.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that promotes exploration, discovery, and meaningful learning.
• Conduct regular formative and summative assessments to document children’s progress using approved assessment tools.
• Foster strong relationships with children and families to support ongoing communication and family engagement in the learning process.
• Collaborate with the Pre-K teaching assistant and center leadership to ensure a high-quality and consistent experience for all children.
• Maintain compliance with all North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and NC Pre-K Program requirements.
• Implement strategies that promote social-emotional development, positive behavior, and a respectful, community-focused classroom culture.
• Participate in required NC Pre-K trainings, professional development, and team planning sessions. Plan, prepare, and implement the Creative Curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for the age level, skill, and social development of the group of children being served.
• Gear curriculum to meet the needs of individual children, with concern for their interest, challenges, special talents, and individual styles and paces of learning.
• Complete monthly, weekly, and daily curriculum plans in a timely manner. Lesson plans are to be turned in to the director for review by Friday morning. Plans are to be communicated and shared with assistant teachers that will be assisting with their implementation.
• Prepare a daily schedule for the classroom. Follow the classroom schedule and routine on a daily basis, making adjustments and alterations as needed for weather or developmental accommodations.
• Supervise and interact with children in all areas of the program: centers, toileting, center play, large and small groups, outdoor play, and field trips.
• Treat all children with dignity and respect and allow for individual differences. Maintain an environment that helps each child to have a positive experience throughout the school day. Help children become aware of their role as an integral member of the classroom environment.
• Demonstrate leadership with respect for teacher’s assistants. Assist them in maintaining a professional attitude toward the program, the children, the staff, and families. Assist, if needed, with appropriate communication. Be an example of professional behavior and appropriate communication at all times.
• Plan, prepare, and care for the classroom environment.
• Be familiar with and adhere to the program’s policies, health and safety regulations, and emergency procedures. Be ready to implement these if necessary.
• Attend all staff meetings and recommended training programs, conferences and other professional growth opportunities. Provide the director with documentation in accordance with state requirements.
• Maintain updated records for all children in your classroom; updating when needed. Maintain observational data for children when needed. Complete on-going evaluation and monitor children’s development and progress; making adjustments as needed to meet the developmental needs of the children in your care.
• Maintain an open, friendly, and professional relationship with all families. Conduct phone conferences, communicate during drop off and pick up, send written notes, use the Remind app, and set up face-to face conferences when needed to meet the needs of each individual family.
• Be an advocate for the improvement of early childhood education and for improving our program.
• The lead teacher is ultimately responsible for everything that occurs in the classroom. They are to demonstrate leadership and take responsibility for daily happenings as it relates to children, environment, and assistant teachers.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $12.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12 - $24