Lead Preschool Teacher

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Status: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Department: Youth Services

About Us:

Founded in 1919, Greater Columbus Community House has the mission of “Strengthening Families and Empowering Our Community.” For more than a century, we’ve provided life-changing resources that help individuals and families across Central Ohio become stable, connected, and self-sufficient.

We’re hiring a Lead Teacher to work in our Christ Child Early Learning Center.

Position Summary:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the daily planning, implementation, and supervision of classroom activities in compliance with the philosophy, policies, and procedures of Greater Columbus Community House's Christ Child Early Learning Center. This position provides leadership within the classroom, creates a safe and nurturing learning environment, and supports the healthy development and school readiness of every child.

What You'll Do:

• Plan, implement, and monitor daily classroom activities in accordance with the Child Care Center's philosophy, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that support children's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development.
• Differentiate instruction and classroom experiences to meet the individual needs, abilities, interests, learning styles, and cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds of each child.
• Create and foster a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Supervise children at all times while ensuring their health, safety, and well-being.
• Nurture and care for each child with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Promote healthy nutritional habits through classroom lessons, family-style dining experiences, and positive meal engagement while exposing children to diverse and nutritious foods.
• Serve meals in accordance with all USDA and CACFP standards.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with children and their families through respectful communication and partnership.
• Foster professional, collaborative relationships with families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Maintain consistently courteous, professional, and high-quality customer service in all interactions.
• Collaborate with Child Care Center staff to ensure the effective daily operation of the program.
• Mentor, support, and collaborate with Assistant Teachers and classroom support staff to promote a positive and effective teaching team.
• Maintain respectful and effective communication with Child Care Center staff, Greater Columbus Community House staff, and members of the Christ Child Society.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all children and families in accordance with Child Care Center policies and applicable regulations.
• Immediately report and document any child, classroom, or safety concerns to the Child Care Coordinator and/or agency leadership.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment, ensuring all materials and equipment are safe, accessible, and in good working condition.
• Share responsibility for housekeeping duties within the classroom and Child Care Center.
• Ensure compliance with all Ohio Department of Children and Youth licensing regulations and Step Up To Quality standards.
• Maintain all required certifications, including CPR, First Aid, Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition, Communicable Disease, and any additional required trainings.
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to strengthen teaching practices and remain current on best practices in early childhood education.
• Assist in onboarding, mentoring, and supporting new classroom staff as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (Bachelor's Degree preferred)
• 1-2 years of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting
• Previous experience leading a classroom or demonstrating leadership within an early childhood environment preferred
• 1-2 years of customer service or public-facing experience
• Current or ability to obtain First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition, and Communicable Disease certifications

Work Environment:

• This is a community-based, in-person position located in Columbus, Ohio.

What We Offer:

• A mission-driven, uplifting work culture rooted in empathy, equity, and impact
• A supportive team environment with regular training, supervision, and opportunities for professional growth
• Opportunities for career advancement and leadership development
• A comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Multiple affordable health insurance options
  • Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match after six months of full-time employment
  • Generous paid time off, plus holidays
  • Professional development reimbursement
  • Comprehensive onboarding, training, and mentoring to support long-term success

Disclaimer:

The information contained within this job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. Duties may be assigned or modified based on organizational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Greater Columbus Community House is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace where all employees, applicants, children, families, and community partners are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Salary : $18