Lead Teacher

Job Description Position Title: Lead TeacherReports To - Program Director / Site DirectorEmployment Type☐ Full-Time ☐ Part-Time Position SummaryThe Lead Teacher at Little Scholars of Detroit is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality early childhood education program that promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children in a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment. The Lead Teacher provides leadership within the classroom, supervises assistant teachers and aides, ensures compliance with Michigan licensing regulations, and maintains positive relationships with children, families, and staff.The Lead Teacher is expected to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Little Scholars of Detroit by fostering school readiness, family engagement, professionalism, and child-centered learning experiences. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesClassroom Leadership & InstructionPlan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with: Creative Curriculum and/or HighScope CurriculumMichigan Early Childhood Standards of QualityGSRP Guidelines (if applicable) Maintain a structured, organized, and engaging classroom environment.Lead daily classroom routines including:Use intentional teaching strategies to support language, literacy, math, science, social-emotional learning, and problem-solving skills.Ensure children are actively supervised at all times.Utilize positive behavior guidance and redirection techniques.Conduct ongoing child observations and assessments including GOLD, COR Advantage, ASQ, or other assigned assessment tools.Differentiate instruction to meet individual developmental needs.Relevant Licensing Expectations Include:Active supervision of childrenMaintaining safe classroom environmentsAccurate attendance recordsCompliance with health and sanitation requirementsProper child release proceduresCompletion of required professional development and MiRegistry documentation Classroom Environment ResponsibilitiesMaintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom.Ensure learning centers are properly labeled, stocked, and rotated regularly.Display current lesson plans, student work, schedules, and classroom documentation.Ensure materials and equipment are safe, sanitized, and developmentally appropriate.Support family-style dining and child independence routines. Documentation & Administrative ResponsibilitiesComplete daily attendance and meal counts accurately.Maintain lesson plans and classroom documentation weekly.Submit required reports, assessments, and incident documentation on time.Ensure child files and classroom records remain audit-ready and compliant.Participate in licensing visits, classroom observations, and quality assurance reviews. QualificationsMinimum RequirementsCDA, Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (based on classroom/program requirements)GSRP experience preferredCPR/First Aid CertificationPrevious experience working in an early childhood classroomKnowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practicesAbility to manage a classroom effectivelyStrong communication and organizational skillsAbility to work collaboratively with families and staff Physical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 40 poundsAbility to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, and actively engage with childrenAbility to supervise children indoors and outdoorsAbility to respond quickly in emergency situations