Preschool Lead Teacher

Preschool Lead Teacher Hispanic Center of Western Michigan Grand Rapids, MI Job Details Full-time From $20 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Behavior management Spanish Teamwork Microsoft Excel Interpersonal skills Culturally responsive teaching (DEI initiatives) English Master's degree Documentation tools Cloud-based systems Working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds Child safety supervision Productivity software Progress documentation Teaching experience with young children Classroom community building Multicultural competence in teaching Full Job Description Position Summary The Preschool Lead Teacher at La Escuelita leads daily classroom instruction and helps create a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for preschool-aged children. Reporting to the Site Director, this role oversees lesson planning, child assessments, and supports Assistant Teachers to ensure a high-quality learning experience that meets all licensing and early childhood education standards. As part of a small preschool serving children ages 4-5, the Lead Teacher plays a key role in shaping a safe, inclusive, and organized classroom where every child is supported and prepared for kindergarten and beyond. Responsibilities Report to the Site Director and collaborate to ensure compliance with all licensing, funding, and program requirements. Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson plans that meet the diverse needs of all learners, including those with delays or exceptionalities. Conduct ongoing child assessments using approved tools to guide instruction and adapt classroom activities. Provide direct care and supervision to children throughout the day, ensuring their safety, well-being, and engagement. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment that promotes learning, exploration, and positive behavior. Lead daily routines, transitions, mealtimes, and outdoor activities, including assisting with food service and supporting children as needed. Supervise and support Assistant Teachers, fostering a trauma-informed, collaborative, and respectful classroom culture. Build strong, trusting relationships with families through regular communication and updates on children's progress and classroom experiences. Collaborate with the school team to plan and participate in family engagement events and special celebrations (e.g., Mother's Day, holidays, graduation). Ensure classroom practices align with state licensing regulations and organizational policies. Participate in required trainings and professional development to maintain and strengthen skills. Model culturally responsive practices and uphold the mission and values of La Escuelita in all interactions. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Must be at least 19 years old. Meets one of the qualifications outlined in Table 3 of the Michigan Child Care Licensing Rules, such as: Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field Possess a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and at least 480 hours of relevant experience. Must also be actively pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and be able to complete the degree within three years of hire. A documented compliance plan must be in place to support degree completion. 12 semester hours in child-related coursework and at least 960 hours of relevant experience Demonstrated experience working with young children in a preschool or childcare setting Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate practices Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), ChildPlus, and cloud-based systems Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills Strong interpersonal skills Bilingual in Spanish and English Ability to work effectively in both classroom and administrative environments Cultural competence and commitment to equity, inclusion, and serving diverse communities Alignment with the mission and values of the Hispanic Center Ability to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment Collaborative, team-oriented approach and a passion for fostering children's growth Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field Experience leading family engagement strategies and community partnerships Training in trauma-informed care or social-emotional learning frameworks Experience with staff evaluation and performance management Physical Requirements • Must be able to stand, bend, lift up to 50 pounds, and actively engage in hands-on interactions with children throughout the day.

Compliance Notice:

This position is funded in part by the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). All credentials and ongoing training must be verified and maintained through MiRegistry, in accordance with Michigan Department of Education (MiLEAP) and LARA requirements.

Schedule:

Monday to

Friday Work Location:

In person

Pay:

From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person