Lead Teacher

Position Overview The Lead Teacher is responsible for full classroom leadership, including supervision, curriculum implementation, behavior support, and family communication. This role ensures a consistent, structured, and responsive classroom environment that supports children's regulation, development, and sense of belonging. The Lead Teacher sets the tone for the classroom and is accountable for maintaining safety, stability, and quality at all times. This includes guiding staff, making real-time decisions, and responding effectively to changing classroom dynamics. This is a high-responsibility role requiring strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm, organized, and effective in a fast-paced environment. What to Expect in This Role This is a dynamic, high-energy classroom environment where the Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining structure while responding to real-time needs. In this role, you will regularly: Lead a classroom with multiple needs, including supporting children through dysregulation, conflict, and challenging behaviors Make real-time decisions to maintain safety, supervision, and classroom flow Work in environments that are often busy, loud, and require constant awareness Balance curriculum, supervision, staff support, and documentation simultaneously Adjust plans and expectations based on children's needs and classroom dynamics Provide direction and feedback to Assistant Teachers and Aides throughout the day This role requires strong emotional regulation, leadership presence, and the ability to maintain consistency under pressure. Who Thrives in This Role This position is a strong fit for individuals who: Demonstrate confident, consistent classroom leadership Stay calm and decisive in high-pressure or unpredictable situations Are skilled in supporting a wide range of behaviors using positive guidance strategies Can manage multiple priorities without losing sight of supervision and safety Provide clear direction and support to team members Are committed to long-term growth and leadership in early childhood education Who This Role May Not Be a Fit For This role may not be the right fit for individuals who: Prefer shared responsibility without full accountability for outcomes Feel uncomfortable leading adults or giving direction in real time Struggle to make decisions under pressure Become overwhelmed managing multiple demands at once Prefer highly predictable environments with minimal variation Employment Details Hourly position $20.00-$23.00 per hour Reports to: Directors Minimum Qualifications Minimum age: 18 Enrollment in the Central Background Registry (CBR) Pediatric First Aid/CPR and Food Handler certification Completion of required Oregon training and 15 hours of annual professional development ORO Step 7 or higher Preferred Qualifications CDA, Associate Degree, or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field Prior leadership experience in a licensed classroom setting Key Responsibilities Maintain full responsibility for classroom supervision, safety, and compliance Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum Establish and maintain consistent routines that support regulation and engagement Respond to children's behavior in real time using positive guidance strategies Provide leadership, direction, and support to Assistant Teachers and Aides Communicate professionally and consistently with families Maintain accurate documentation, including observations, assessments, and incident reports Ensure compliance with all licensing, health, and safety requirements Monitor classroom dynamics and make adjustments to maintain a stable environment Physical Requirements Ability to bend, twist, stretch, kneel, and crouch Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds Ability to remain active throughout the workday Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors Commitment to the Role Kindred is seeking educators who are committed to leadership, consistency, and long-term growth within early childhood education. This role is critical to maintaining high-quality classroom environments and requires individuals who take full ownership of their classroom and team. Hiring Process All candidates participate in a classroom observation or working interview as part of the hiring process. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate leadership, supervision, and decision-making in a classroom setting.

Pay:

$20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Employee discount Flexible schedule Professional development assistance Application Question(s): Do you have your Central Background Registry completed?

Experience:

leadership: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

Pediatric CPR/First Aid (Required)

Work Location:

In person