Childcare Lead Teacher

About the role

As a Lead Teacher at Child Development Schools, you will help create a classroom filled with discovery, creativity, learning, and joy. Each day, you will guide children through meaningful experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, kindness, and growth. From hands-on activities and storytelling to everyday learning moments, you will shape a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the world around them. You will serve as a trusted partner to families, a positive role model for children, and an important part of our collaborative teaching team dedicated to making early childhood education engaging, nurturing, safe, and fun.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons and activities for the classroom
• Keep the classroom safe, organized, and compliant with licensing and ratio requirements
• Observe and document each child's development and share progress with families regularly
• Build relationships with parents through daily communication and scheduled conferences
• Complete required documentation including attendance, incident reports, and assessments

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Valid Virginia teaching license or ability to obtain within 6 months
• At least 2 years of full-time teaching experience in a licensed childcare setting
• Experience working with children ages 2-5
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with a team
• Ability to communicate effectively with families and colleagues

Qualifications

• Pass a background check
• Pass a drug screening
• Pass a criminal history check

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities
• Knowledge of child development theories and practices
• Experience with technology and software used in early childhood education

Benefits

• Pay: 15-18 per hour, based on experience and education
• $400 Sign On Bonus
• Full-time Employees Receive Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability
• 401(k)
• 9 company-paid holidays and 8 days of PTO
• 50% tuition discount for your own children enrolled at a CDS center
• Up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for continued education
• Access to PerkSpot for discounts on major brands and services
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - offers professional and confidential services to help you and your loved ones quality of life. Coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development

Pay and Schedule

• Pay: 15-18 per hour, based on experience and education
• Schedule: Full-time positions offer flexible schedules to accommodate your needs

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability
• 401(k)
• 9 company-paid holidays and 8 days of PTO
• 50% tuition discount for your own children enrolled at a CDS center
• Up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for continued education
• Access to PerkSpot for discounts on major brands and services
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - offers professional and confidential services to help you and your loved ones quality of life. Coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development

About Child Development Schools

Child Development Schools is a childcare and early education provider with 270+ centers across 11 states, serving over 30,000 children ages six weeks to twelve years. We are committed to providing high-quality developmental education and supporting the families and communities we serve. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace.