Lead Teacher

About the role

The Lead Teacher supports classroom operations by enforcing rules, following established lesson plans, and ensuring a safe environment. This position provides structure and guidance to children, staff, and families, working closely with the Assistant Teacher to lead educational, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for children in the Early Learning Academy (ELA) programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee classroom operations, including lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and reporting supply needs to the ELA Director.
• Follow all state licensing and BGCA rules and regulations, including maintaining required staff-to-child ratios in the classroom.
• Maintain constant awareness of all children in the classroom through active supervision, including scanning, moving strategically, using name-to-face counts, and engaging with children at all times.
• Guide and support Assistant Teachers in the classroom by providing clear feedback, direction, and mentorship to ensure a positive and effective learning environment.
• Coordinate with Assistant Teachers on execution of lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Lead a variety of age-appropriate activities to support children's physical and intellectual development.
• Provide materials and resources to promote physical, mental, and social growth through play, art, music, and storytelling.
• Assist with diapering, potty training, and regulating rest/nap schedules.
• Serve balanced meals and snacks and comply with CACFP meal counts and production records.
• Ensure a safe environment by monitoring children's play and sanitizing toys and equipment.
• Perform light housekeeping tasks (classroom cleaning, laundry, changing linens).
• Collaborate with leadership to provide indoor and outdoor spaces for creative play and motor-skill development.
• Maintain records of daily activities, meals, medications, and observations for each child.
• Communicate with parents/guardians about children's daily activities, behaviors, and concerns.
• Use electronic devices including ProCare for daily reporting.
• Assist with bus loading/unloading on field trips.
• Guide positive behavior, enforce discipline, and document/report incidents to the ELA leadership.
• Conduct child assessments, maintain portfolios, and participate in parent-teacher conferences.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Welcome new members, introduce them to the facility, and encourage participation.
• Responsible for all other duties and tasks assigned by ELA leadership.

Requirements

• Infant and Toddler Classrooms: An Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s Degree or higher in a relevant field is preferred.
• Preschool and Pre-K Classrooms: A Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s Degree or higher in a relevant field is preferred.
• Previous experience in childcare or another caregiving role is preferred.
• BGCSE encourages all lead teachers to pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and offers support to employees interested in enrolling in a CDA program.
• A valid CPR Certification or the ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification within 90 days of employment is required. Training is provided for those not certified.

Skills

• Reliability with good attendance and punctuality.
• Time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize duties, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Constant hearing, hand-eye coordination, and mind-eye coordination.
• Intermittent speaking, standing, walking, kneeling, lifting, reaching, low-level activity, and squatting.
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases.
• Frequent lifting of objects under 20 pounds, and occasional lifting of items up to 75 pounds.
• Primarily indoor work with minimal outdoor exposure; extreme temperatures in summer and winter may occur.

Pre-Employment Screenings

Pre-employment screenings may include, but are not limited to: drug screen, criminal background check(s), child abuse/neglect screening(s), driving history screening(s), and reference checks.