Preschool Lead Teacher

Full-Time | 40 hours/week | $26.00–$30.00/hour

Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits: 403(b) with employer match & Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

About the Role

We are seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive classroom environment. The Lead Teacher will guide a team of educators to deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate, and play-based learning experiences that foster creativity, confidence, and community in young children.

This role is ideal for a reflective and motivated teacher who values collaboration, appreciates the individuality of each child, and is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and document classroom activities that support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all children.
• Develop and implement lesson plans and project-based curriculum focused on exploration and hands-on learning.
• Observe and assess children’s growth and communicate progress with families.
• Provide consistent, positive behavior guidance rooted in empathy and understanding.
• Partner with colleagues and leadership to adapt practices based on children’s needs and emerging interests.
• Build strong relationships with families through open and ongoing communication, including parent-teacher conferences.
• Serve meals and snacks following food safety standards.
• Maintain classroom organization, cleanliness, and compliance with health and safety guidelines.
• Attend regular staff meetings and required trainings.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field, or an Associate’s degree (or higher) with at least 20 verified ECE credits in MERIT.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with preschool-aged children.
• Experience developing age-appropriate curriculum and managing classroom behavior.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia approach or other emergent, child-led methodologies.
• Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Comfort using tools such as Brightwheel and Microsoft Office.

Additional Requirements (to be completed upon or after hire)

• DCYF Portable Background Check and fingerprints
• TB clearance and MMR vaccination record
• Food Worker Card
• CPR/First Aid (Infant, Child, Adult) and Bloodborne Pathogens/HIV training
• Mandated Reporter and Episcopal Safe Church training
• Completion of the STARS 30-hour Basic Child Care course within one month of hire
• Ongoing DCYF trainings (Medication Management, Emergency Preparedness, Families Experiencing Homelessness, Abusive Head Trauma)

Please send resume and cover letter or any questions to contact:

Lisa Henderson, (206) 765-9100

lisa@laurelhurstearlylearning.org