Lead Teacher — Little Lions Learning Lab

CTE Early Childhood Education Training Program

The Little Lions Learning Lab Lead Teacher serves as the primary instructional and operational leader for the 4L program. This position is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children while also supporting the career and technical education mission of the program.

 

The Lead Teacher is the go-to staff member for day-to-day program operations, instructional practices, child supervision, family communication, and coordination of instructional assistants, high school practicum students, and after-school interns. This position reports directly to the CTE Director and works closely with the high school Early Childhood Education teacher to ensure the program supports both the needs of young children and the learning goals of CTE students.

 

Teachers in the 4L Program are Administrative and Professional members of the LCPS CTE Early Childhood Education Training Program. Must hold or be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with the Elementary PK-6 endorsement. The employment year follows the LCPS professional calendar, and salary is based on the LCPS professional salary scale.

Primary Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership and Child Development

• Serve as the teacher in charge and primary decision-maker for daily instructional practices, classroom routines, and child supervision.
• Design and implement developmentally and culturally appropriate learning experiences aligned with program goals.
• Maintain a classroom environment that is safe, organized, engaging, inclusive, and responsive to children’s developmental needs.
• Actively supervise children at all times, both indoors and outdoors, including during playground time, walks, field trips, and transitions.
• Monitor and document children’s growth using observation, the 4L Developmental Checklist, and other approved assessment tools.
• Provide families with written updates on child progress at least three times per year and participate in scheduled conferences.

Program Operations and Daily Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Little Lions Learning Lab, ensuring that all LCPS and program expectations are met.
• Maintain required child records, program documentation, and classroom procedures.
• Coordinate classroom schedules, materials, supplies, snacks, equipment, and learning spaces.
• Ensure all materials, equipment, and classroom areas are clean, safe, and properly maintained.
• Notify the CTE Director of needed repairs, replacements, budget needs, or program concerns.
• Assist with inventory, purchasing, end-of-year storage, and preparation for program events or presentations.

Supervision and Support of Staff and Students

• Provide daily guidance and oversight to instructional assistants, student staff, high school practicum students, work-based learning students, and after-school interns.
• Work closely with the high school Early Childhood Education teacher to determine appropriate times and ways for high school students to participate in the program.
• Support CTE students in understanding classroom expectations, child development practices, and professional responsibilities.
• Provide informal feedback to students and communicate concerns about attendance, professionalism, or performance to the appropriate CTE staff.
• Model high-quality instructional practices, professionalism, and appropriate interactions with young children.

Family and Community Communication

• Build positive relationships with families through regular, clear, and professional communication.
• Collaborate with families to develop and support individual goals for their children.
• Communicate weekly updates about classroom activities and use multiple methods to notify families of important information or concerns.
• Participate in family conferences and additional meetings as needed to address child progress, questions, or concerns.

Collaboration and Program Alignment

• Work closely with the CTE Director and CTE faculty to ensure the Little Lions Learning Lab functions as both a high-quality early childhood program and a meaningful training lab for high school students.
• Participate in regular meetings with the CTE Director to review program goals, child needs, student progress, staffing, budget, and operational needs.
• Help ensure the program continues to serve as a model of developmentally appropriate practice and a strong example of career and technical education in action.