Full-time preschool teacher

Lead Preschool Teacher At Miss Sugarman's School for Extraordinary Children (SSEC), our Lead Preschool Teacher creates a warm, engaging, and inclusive environment where children can learn, play, and grow. This role includes planning meaningful learning experiences, supporting each child's development, building strong relationships with families, and ensuring a safe and nurturing classroom every day. What We're Looking For We are looking for someone who: Has a strong understanding of child development and early childhood education. Is creative, innovative, and passionate when creating engaging, play-based learning experiences. Has Montessori or Reggio Emilia experience. Builds meaningful relationships with children, families, and coworkers. Is patient, flexible, highly organized, and a positive team player. Communicates effectively and professionally. Can adapt activities and environments to meet the needs of all learners (especially those with behavioral or learning plans). Understands and follows health and safety practices. Is comfortable using basic classroom and office equipment. Is familiar with the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards. Holds current First Aid and CPR certifications (or is willing to obtain them). Responsibilities Provide exceptional care and supervision for preschool-aged children. Plan and implement weekly lesson plans, daily activities, and rotating learning centers that reflect children's interests and developmental needs. Prepare materials and create engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Observe and document children's growth and development and share progress with families. Foster a positive classroom community by guiding social, emotional, and behavioral development. Supervise children during indoor play, outdoor play, meals, transitions, and all daily routines. Maintain accurate records, including attendance, medical information, and required paperwork. Partner with families through open, positive communication. Ensure the classroom is safe, organized, clean, and welcoming. Follow all Maine Department of Health and Human Services licensing regulations and maintain required certifications. Administer basic first aid when needed and complete incident reports as necessary. Participate in staff meetings and collaborate with the SSEC team. Qualifications At least 22 years old High school diploma or equivalent One to two years of college coursework in Early Childhood Education Two years of experience working with preschool-aged children in a licensed center setting

Preferred:

At least 25 years old Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field Four more years of experience working with preschool-aged children in a center setting

Compensation:

$18 base hourly rate Monthly salary supplement of $240, $360, or $540, depending on experience level 90-day bonus (after all required training is completed) Two weeks of paid vacation per year (pre-scheduled) Paid holidays and storm days 30 hours of paid training annually Family Discount Annual raises Why Join the SSEC Team? At Miss Sugarman's School for Extraordinary Children (SSEC), we believe in supporting and growing great educators. This position is more than a teaching role—it's an opportunity to be part of a collaborative, innovative, and child-centered school community. As a member of our team, you will receive: Mentorship and instructional coaching from an experienced educator and school director with over 20 years of experience in public and private education. Professional development opportunities focused on child development, behavior support, play-based learning, curriculum design, inclusion, and best practices in early childhood education. Collaborative planning time to share ideas, problem-solve, and create engaging learning experiences together. Support in building confidence as an educator through ongoing feedback, reflection, and individualized guidance. Experience working within a unique educational model that values creativity, individualized learning, and whole-child development. A family-friendly work environment that values work-life balance, relationships, and supporting one another as professionals and caregivers. At SSEC, we believe that when educators feel supported, children thrive. We are committed to creating a workplace where teachers feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Pay:

$18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

Tuition reimbursement

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

Early childhood education: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

CPR Certification (Required) First Aid Certification (Required) Shift availability: Day Shift (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Gardiner, ME 04345 (Required)

Work Location:

In person