Preschool Lead Teacher

Benefits Available:Flexible schedulesNo working late nights, weekends, or holidays!Childcare discount for your own childrenUnited Healthcare medical plan options for you and your family Aflac - Dental, Vision, Orthodontic and supplemental insurance plan optionsLifeMart 24/7 EAP counselors and free therapy sessions available for all employees401K with up to 4% match available with diverse and excellent investment optionsPaid Time Off (35+ hours)Holiday Pay (35+ hours)Safe and Sick Time (Part-Time Employees) MN Paid Leave available to all employees residing in Minnesota Preschool Lead Teacher Job DescriptionCrystal's Cuddle Bugs Childcare CenterPOISTION SUMMARYThe Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily classroom operations for children. Cuddle Bugs cares for children ages 6 weeks through 11 years. Age groups served include Infants (6 weeks–15 months), Toddlers (16–32 months), Preschool (33 months–6 years), School-Age children (Kindergarten–11 years). Lead Teachers may be responsible for classrooms that encompass more than one age group, depending on enrollment, staffing, and operational needs.In addition to fulfilling all regular teacher responsibilities, the Preschool Lead Teacher provides leadership and guidance to assistant teachers and aides, ensures compliance with state and center regulations, maintains consistent communication with families, and supports the overall growth and development of each child.This role includes leadership in classroom management, curriculum development, and team supervision.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESLead daily classroom operations and supervise children to ensure safety at all timesDevelop and implement lesson plans aligned with state and national early learning standardsAdapt curriculum and instruction to meet individual developmental, physical, and social-emotional needsPlan and lead engaging, age-appropriate, and innovative learning activitiesMaintain accurate daily headcounts, attendance, and classroom documentationMonitor feeding routines, allergy prevention, and overall health needs of childrenAdminister basic first aid and respond appropriately to medical emergenciesCreate and maintain a nurturing, positive learning environment that supports cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and intellectual developmentComplete daily reports and developmental updates for familiesConduct parent-teacher conferences at least twice per year, including preparation and follow-upAddress behavior concerns and initiate meetings with families as neededMaintain a clean, organized, and well-equipped classroom environmentCollaborate with the Director and team members to ensure consistency with center goals and proceduresEnsure classroom practices comply with DHS, state regulations, and center policiesAttend all required staff meetings, school functions, and professional development activitiesAct as a Mandated Reporter and uphold all ethical and safety responsibilitiesPlan and lead classroom celebrations and seasonal eventsPerform additional duties as assigned by managementSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESProvide leadership, direction, and support to assistant teachers, aides, and classroom staffDelegate classroom duties including supervision, cleaning, and preparation of materialsObserve, evaluate, and provide feedback to support staff to improve classroom performanceEnsure adequate supplies and learning materials are available and used appropriatelyServe as the primary point of contact with management regarding classroom operationsQUALIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience (e.g., CDA, Track 2 Certification)Must meet all DHS qualifications for a Lead TeacherCurrent Adult & Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire)Up-to-date on all annual DHS-required training (including AHT, SUIDS, Supervision for Safety, OSHA, etc.)Comfortable using technology for documentation, communication, and lesson planningProficient in classroom apps and tools for staff communication, parent messaging, and daily reportingMust be at least 18 years of age and meet applicable experience and education requirementsStrong leadership, communication, and organizational skillsDemonstrates patience, compassion, and a positive attitude when working with children and staffFlexible to occasionally work evenings, weekends, or extended hours as neededCOMPETENCIESLeadership: Inspires and motivates others; models positive behaviorCommunication: Communicates clearly and effectively with families, staff, and managementProblem Solving: Identifies and resolves concerns promptly and professionallyTeamwork: Encourages collaboration and maintains a positive work environmentPlanning & Organization: Prioritizes tasks and manages time efficientlyDependability: Reliable, punctual, and committed to center goalsDiversity & Inclusion: Promotes respect and inclusion for all children and familiesEthics: Maintains high standards of professionalism and integrityPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTFrequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, and liftMust be able to lift and move up to 40 pounds regularlyExposure to outdoor weather conditions, illness, and bodily fluids may occurModerate to loud noise levels typical of a childcare settingMust be able to interact with children at floor level and meet their physical needsCompensation details: 19.81-22.57 Yearly SalaryPI558ed44582e6-31181-39755551