Lead Preschool Teacher

Location: Huntsville

Department: Education / Pedagogy

Reports To: School Director

Position Type: Full-Time

At KLA Schools Huntsville, our Lead Teachers are responsible for creating and maintaining an exceptional learning environment that reflects the Reggio Emilia philosophy, supports each child’s developmental journey, and promotes curiosity, creativity, and meaningful exploration.

The Lead Teacher serves as the pedagogical leader of the classroom, guiding curriculum development, documentation, classroom flow, parent communication, and the daily mentorship of assistant and co-teachers. This role ensures all classroom experiences are developmentally appropriate, intentionally designed, and aligned with KLA quality standards (KLAQS).

• Design and implement emergent curriculum experiences aligned with the Reggio Emilia philosophy
• Observe, document, and analyze children’s developmental milestones, interests, and learning processes
• Develop weekly projections based on previous classroom experiences, teacher analysis, and feedback from the School Director or Pedagogical Coordinator
• Create and maintain the daily classroom flow and experience plan
• Introduce materials, provocations, questions, and opportunities that deepen children’s natural curiosity
• Expand children’s spontaneous discoveries into meaningful project work
• Support inquiry-based exploration through intentional mistakes, problem-solving, and open-ended thinking
• Facilitate conflict resolution by allowing children to negotiate independently whenever appropriate, with minimal adult intervention
• Differentiate experiences for small groups of children with varying interests, developmental stages, and special needs

• Systematically divide classroom responsibilities among teaching team members to ensure intentional observation and note-taking
• Record children’s conversations, interactions, and thought processes to support pedagogical documentation
• Prepare daily journals and classroom documentation panels
• Meet with co-teachers after class to reflect on observations and plan next steps
• Complete child assessments and developmental progress reports
• Lead teacher-parent conferences twice per year
• Schedule beginning-of-year family meetings and additional parent meetings as needed

• Lead and mentor Teacher Assistants and Co-Teachers in classroom routines, observation techniques, and Reggio-inspired teaching practices
• Delegate classroom responsibilities to ensure consistent supervision, documentation, and organization
• Maintain a clean, organized, aesthetically intentional classroom environment stocked with appropriate materials
• Ensure nap, transitions, and classroom routines are managed smoothly
• Supervise sleeping children and oversee the cleanup/reset of nap areas
• Support classroom coverage, ratio compliance, and smooth daily transitions
• Participate in staff meetings, emergency meetings, and professional development sessions
• Support after-hours school events, family engagement activities, and community initiatives

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children at all times
• Complete incident and accident reports promptly and communicate directly with families regarding any concerns
• Follow all state licensing, federal, health, and KLA Schools operating procedures
• Maintain compliance with KLAQS standards, classroom ratios, and health/safety expectations
• Respond immediately and appropriately to emergencies or unexpected situations

• Must be 18 years or older
• CDA or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education required
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• Prior experience as a Lead Teacher in a preschool, Reggio-inspired, or inquiry-based environment preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and basic media tools
• English fluency required; bilingual is a plus
• Commitment to learning and implementing the Reggio Emilia philosophy
• Ability to meet all Alabama Department of Human Resources licensing and training requirements
• Must pass all required background screenings

• Frequently lift, move, or hold children up to 40 pounds
• Occasionally lift up to 60 pounds
• Full range of motion to bend, squat, sit, climb, reach, and actively engage with children
• Ability to supervise outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions
• Mental and physical alertness to respond quickly to multiple situations throughout the day
• Energy and stamina to fully participate in classroom and outdoor experiences

• Arrives on time and prepared each day
• Maintains positive, professional communication with families, children, and team members
• Upholds school dress code and professionalism standards
• Keeps classroom materials, supplies, and learning spaces organized
• Plans and executes meaningful long-term projects
• Supports school-wide events and community partnerships
• Demonstrates leadership, collaboration, and initiative
• Consistently models KLA Schools culture and educational excellence