Job Description Position Title:

Child Care Lead Teacher Reports To:

Child Care Center Director Date Reviewed & Revised:

8/03/2026 Learn more about High Hopes and apply online at: https://www.highhopescare.com/application-for-employment/ Our mission at High Hopes Child Care Center is to serve families by delivering exceptional, comprehensive and inclusive child care services in the communities in which we operate.

General Summary:

Responsible for the emotional and physical well-being and safety of children in his/her care, the Lead Teacher will prepare children for elementary school by developing their vocabulary, social skills, and behavior.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Lead Teacher will oversee the classroom activities of any assistant teachers, support staff or volunteers. The Lead Teacher will immediately intervene in any situations that cause a safety hazard for a child and will report any violations of center policies and procedures to the Center Director immediately.

Essential Job Functions:

• Structures a developmentally appropriate educational experience in the classroom using methods such as storytelling, games, and activities.
• Teaches students to follow rules and procedures in the classroom and school.
• Monitors students' progress throughout the year and evaluates preparedness for kindergarten.
• Communicates all progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to parents and the Center Director.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with parents.
• Enforces safety and security standards for children, staff, and visitors.
• Maintains required paperwork for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records.
• Maintains knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in early childhood education.
• Works with parents, Early Development Network staff and other service providers to develop educational plans that support IFSP or IEP goals and works to report progress towards goal to both parents and providers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of early childhood development principles and developmentally appropriate educational practices.
• Enthusiastic personality that will engage preschool children.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with teachers, support staff, parents, and students in a positive and constructive way.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to plan, manage, and evaluate curriculum.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Brightwheel and other software as required for recordkeeping and documentation.
• Ability to pass required state and federal background checks.
• Willingness to submit to drug testing as requested by employer.
• Must be able to meet all required training, certifications and CE requirements for role within the timeframes specified by DHHS.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exhibit solid organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Maintain a positive and professional appearance, attitude and work ethic at all times.
• Love working with children and have a strong desire to serve others
• Be of strong moral character (references may be required)

Education and Experience:

Qualified candidates must be at least 18 years of age, be of good moral character and meet one of the following requirements: o Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, education or child/youth development; o Hold an associate degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, education or child/youth development; o Have a Child Development Associate Credential; or, o Have a high school diploma or GED; and § 1500 verified clock hours of experience in organized group activities for young children as indicated by a positive reference from a former employer or supervisor; or § Submit a written plan for DHHS Department approval to acquire at least three credit hours or 45 clock hours of training in administration, early childhood education, education, or child/youth development, in a period not to exceed six months. The licensee must maintain a copy of the written plan and DHHS Department approval for DHHS Department review.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout the classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.

Note:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Note:

Reliable, consistent attendance is a requirement and essential function of the position. Employees are expected to be punctual and dependable in order to meet the needs of the business. Attendance and responsibility are important factors in evaluating individual performance and continued employment. Employee's pattern of attendance must not interfere with the key essential functions of the position. Time off is to be scheduled in advance when possible; schedule changes area to be communicated in a timely manner to supervisor; and absences are to be within the guidelines of company policies.

Pay:

$15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Experience:

Teaching:

1 year (Preferred)

Childcare:

1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person