lead teacher

Summary Horizons Childcare and Learning Center is committed to providing a nurturing, safe, and stimulating early learning environment. Our program focuses on fostering social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development for Infant and 2 and 3‑year‑old children. The teacher will plan, implement, and oversee a high‑quality classroom. This role involves leading lesson planning, supervising assistant/co‑teachers or aides, assessing child progress, collaborating with families, ensuring compliance with Florida’s standards, and helping maintain a learning environment that supports every child’s growth. The position is full‑time and requires a 40‑hour workweek. Applicants should be aware that this classroom may present significant instructional and behavioral challenges and is best suited for individuals with experience in classroom management. Duties Develop, plan, and deliver an age‑appropriate curriculum aligned with Florida Standards. Design and implement lesson plans, daily schedules, and classroom activities that promote children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Supervise and mentor assistant teachers/aides in the classroom. Provide guidance, support, and direction. Maintain a safe, clean, and well‑organized classroom environment. Ensure the classroom is set up with developmentally appropriate learning centers. Observe, assess, and document each child’s growth and development. Identify milestones, learning needs, and provide interventions as needed. Communicate regularly with parents or guardians about their child’s progress, participate in parent–teacher conferences, and respond to parent questions or concerns. Ensure compliance with all state licensing, program requirements, health & safety regulations (including CPR/First Aid, background checks, etc.). Maintain accurate records: attendance, incident/accident reports, developmental assessments, lesson plans, etc. Participate in staff meetings, professional development, workshops, and training to stay current on best practices in early childhood education. Collaborate with center leadership and other teachers to support overall program quality, including contributions to enrollment, retention, and center goals. Requirements Minimum of 1 year in childcare space, preferably in an infant room and toddler room. CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain). Ability to pass state background checks and meet licensing requirements. Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. Patience, creativity, flexibility, and a nurturing disposition. Florida's teacher credential requirements (including VPK Certification, DCF 45‑Hour training, or equivalent). Previous experience teaching preschool or VPK, with demonstrated experience leading a classroom. Strong knowledge of child development principles and Florida standards. Demonstrated leadership experience (mentoring, supervising staff). Nice to Haves Experience with assessment tools (observational assessments, screening, progress tracking). Bilingual skills (preferred). Benefits Competitive salary based on credentials and experience. Professional development opportunities. Possible childcare discount or other employee perks. No weekend work, Monday to Friday schedule. Opportunity for advancement (Lead Teacher, The position has a possibility for a full‑time schedule. #J-18808-Ljbffr Acquire4Hire