Lead Teacher

Position Title: Lead TeacherEmployment Status: Full-Time, Non-ExemptWork Schedule: Monday–Friday. Hours assigned based on classroom needs.Position SummaryThe Lead Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports each child's cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical development.The Lead Teacher serves as the instructional leader of the classroom and is responsible for planning and implementing curriculum, supervising classroom staff, maintaining licensing compliance, fostering positive relationships with families, and ensuring every child receives high-quality care and education.Lead Teachers are expected to model professionalism, teamwork, creativity, patience, and a genuine love for children while upholding the mission and values of Amalyah's Playground.Mission of the PositionTo inspire a lifelong love of learning by providing meaningful, play-based educational experiences that promote curiosity, confidence, independence, and healthy development in every child.Core ResponsibilitiesThe Lead Teacher is responsible for excellence in five key areas:Classroom LeadershipLead daily classroom operations.Supervise Assistant Teachers.Delegate classroom responsibilities.Maintain classroom routines.Ensure classroom organization.Model professional teaching practices.Curriculum & InstructionPlan weekly lesson plans.Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.Create engaging learning experiences.Differentiate instruction.Observe children's development.Support kindergarten readiness.Child DevelopmentPromote growth in:Language & LiteracyMathematicsScienceSocial StudiesFine Motor SkillsGross Motor SkillsSocial-Emotional DevelopmentCreative ArtsProblem SolvingIndependenceClassroom ManagementEstablish consistent routines.Use positive behavior guidance.Encourage self-regulation.Build respectful classroom communities.Foster independence.Support emotional development.Family PartnershipBuild trusting relationships.Maintain daily communication.Share developmental progress.Encourage family involvement.Support home-school partnerships.Essential Job DutiesThe Lead Teacher shall:Supervise children at all times.Maintain active supervision.Plan and implement daily learning activities.Complete weekly lesson plans.Prepare classroom materials.Maintain organized learning centers.Conduct daily attendance.Monitor children's developmental progress.Document observations.Complete required assessments.Maintain classroom cleanliness.Ensure classroom safety.Communicate with families.Supervise Assistant Teachers.Participate in staff meetings.Participate in professional development.Maintain licensing compliance.Perform additional duties assigned by administration.Curriculum ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement lesson plans that promote:Language & LiteracyVocabulary developmentStorytellingReading readinessLetter recognitionPhonological awarenessPrint awarenessMathematicsCountingNumber recognitionSortingPatternsShapesMeasurementProblem-solvingScienceNature explorationObservationWeatherAnimalsPlantsExperimentsDiscovery learningSocial StudiesFamilyCommunityCultureDiversityHolidaysCitizenshipResponsibilityCreative ArtsPaintingMusicDanceDramatic playBuildingSculptingOpen-ended creativityPhysical DevelopmentSupport:Large motor skillsBalanceCoordinationStrengthFine motor developmentOutdoor explorationClassroom Environment ResponsibilitiesMaintain a classroom that is:SafeCleanOrganizedInclusiveWelcomingStimulatingChild-centeredLiteracy-richDevelopmentally appropriateLearning centers should be intentionally arranged to encourage exploration, independence, and meaningful play.Child Supervision ResponsibilitiesThe Lead Teacher is responsible for ensuring children are:Actively supervised at all times.Accounted for through regular head counts.Protected from hazards.Safely transitioned between activities.Properly supervised outdoors.Safely released only to authorized individuals.Never left unattended.The Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining required teacher-child ratios at all times and immediately notifying administration if additional support is needed.Health & Safety ResponsibilitiesThe Lead Teacher shall:Conduct daily health observations.Follow illness exclusion policies.Practice proper handwashing procedures.Follow diapering and toileting procedures.Sanitize classroom materials.Maintain food safety standards.Report injuries immediately.Complete incident reports.Participate in emergency drills.Identify and remove hazards.Administer medication only in accordance with center policy and licensing regulations.Positive Guidance & Behavior ManagementThe Lead Teacher shall use positive discipline strategies that:Promote self-control.Encourage empathy.Teach conflict resolution.Reinforce positive behavior.Support emotional regulation.Build problem-solving skills.Protect children's dignity.The following are prohibited:Physical punishment.Yelling.Humiliation.Threats.Food as punishment or reward.Isolation beyond licensing standards.Any form of emotional abuse or neglect.Family Engagement ResponsibilitiesThe Lead Teacher shall:Greet every child warmly.Communicate respectfully with families.Share daily updates.Document milestones.Encourage family participation.Address concerns professionally.Respect family diversity.Maintain confidentiality.Classroom Administration ResponsibilitiesMaintain accurate:Attendance records.Daily reports.Incident reports.Developmental observations.Lesson plans.Supply inventory.Classroom schedules.Child portfolios.Parent communication logs.Professional ExpectationsThe Lead Teacher shall:Demonstrate professionalism.Maintain confidentiality.Dress appropriately.Arrive on time.Model positive attitudes.Collaborate with coworkers.Accept constructive feedback.Continue professional growth.Promote the mission of Amalyah's Playground.Required QualificationsEducationOne of the following:Child Development Associate (CDA)ORAssociate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related fieldORCompletion of coursework that meets Texas Child Care Licensing requirements.ExperienceMinimum one (1) year working in a licensed childcare center or preschool.Experience planning lessons for young children.Experience supervising groups of children.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.Texas School Ready experience.Texas Rising Star experience.Experience mentoring Assistant Teachers.Bilingual (English/Haitian Creole or English/Spanish).Required CertificationsPediatric CPR & First Aid Certification.Background Check Clearance.FBI Fingerprint Clearance.Annual licensing-required professional development.Food Handler Certification (if involved in food service).Physical RequirementsThe employee must be able to:Lift up to 50 pounds.Sit on the floor for extended periods.Bend, kneel, squat, crawl, and reach frequently.Carry classroom materials.Supervise outdoor activities in varying weather.Quickly respond during emergencies.Performance StandardsPerformance will be evaluated based on:Classroom quality.Child engagement.Licensing compliance.Lesson plan implementation.Classroom organization.Child developmental progress.Parent satisfaction.Professionalism.Teamwork.Reliability.