What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pre-K Lead Teacher position at Plateau Early Learning Center?
PELC is a learning center, not a babysitting center. We are looking for individuals with a strong passion for learning to join our team!
Responsibilities
The Pre-K Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that prepares children ages 4–6 for a successful transition into kindergarten. This role includes designing and delivering a structured curriculum focused on academic readiness, social-emotional growth, independence, and problem-solving skills. The Lead Teacher supervises assistant teachers, partners with families, and ensures compliance with all state licensing regulations and center policies.
Duties
This job description outlines the primary duties of the Pre-K Lead Teacher but is not an exhaustive list. Duties may be modified to meet the needs of the children, families, and program.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate a kindergarten readiness curriculum that includes early literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, art, and music.
- Create a structured daily schedule with routines that prepare children for the expectations of kindergarten.
- Supervise, mentor, and guide assistant teachers in instructional methods and classroom management.
- Maintain teacher-to-child ratios and oversee smooth classroom operations.
- Teach foundational academic skills including letter recognition, phonics, early writing, number sense, basic addition/subtraction, patterns, shapes, and measurement.
- Foster school readiness skills such as following multi-step instructions, sustaining attention, working independently, and collaborating in small/large groups.
- Encourage independence in self-care routines (toileting, dressing, organizing personal belongings).
- Promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving through hands-on activities, STEM projects, and guided play.
- Observe and document each child’s developmental progress toward kindergarten benchmarks.
- Model and teach conflict resolution, empathy, self-regulation, and respectful communication.
- Support positive peer interactions and teamwork.
- Build confidence and resilience by encouraging children to try new tasks and solve problems independently.
- Build strong partnerships with parents and guardians through consistent, professional communication.
- Provide regular progress updates and developmental assessments focused on kindergarten readiness.
- Lead parent-teacher conferences to discuss school readiness skills, strengths, and areas for growth.
- Offer resources and strategies for families to support learning at home.
- Ensure the classroom meets all state licensing, health, and safety standards.
- Conduct daily safety checks of indoor and outdoor learning areas.
- Follow all hygiene and sanitation protocols, including cleaning materials and promoting healthy habits.
- Closely supervise children during all activities to maintain a safe environment.
- Work closely with administrators and other teachers to align Pre-K curriculum with kindergarten expectations.
- Attend staff meetings, required training, and professional development opportunities.
- Contribute ideas for improving teaching practices and program quality.
Qualifications
- MERIT Profile Verified
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children in a licensed childcare setting.
- Education: High school diploma or GED and one of the following:
- ECE Short Certificate (20 ECE credits)
- → Must be completed by August 1st 2026 or within 5 years of hire.
- Associate degree or higher in ECE or related field.
- → PELC requires their lead teacher to take a minimum of one class per quarter to complete their Associate Degree in ECE.
- Approved alternative qualifications
- Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid, Food Handler’s Permit, 30 Hours STARS*, and any state-required training (e.g., Safe Sleep, Mandated Reporter).
- Strong understanding of infant development, responsive caregiving, and early learning best practices.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and engage in floor play.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
* Or education per DCYF that qualifies for 30-Hour STARS training exemption.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, Monday–Friday (hours to be determined).
- 8 hours shift
- Occasional evenings or weekends for events or training.
Benefits
- Professional development assistance
- Discount Childcare
- Retirement account
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off (1.5h per 40h worked)
- Paid holidays
- Paid lunch break
- Opportunity for financial education
