Instructional Assistant Lead Teacher Candidate SC First Steps

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

About C.A.R.E. Academy

C.A.R.E. Academy is a thriving early childhood education center committed to providing exceptional educational experiences for children and families. We believe every child deserves a nurturing, engaging, and academically rich learning environment that prepares them for lifelong success.

As our enrollment continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Instructional Assistant who is qualified to become a Lead 4K Teacher should a second South Carolina First Steps 4K classroom become necessary.

Position Summary

The Instructional Assistant works alongside the Lead 4K Teacher to provide high-quality instruction and classroom support while helping implement the South Carolina First Steps 4K program. This individual will serve as the Lead Teacher's instructional partner and should be prepared to transition into a Lead Teacher role if student enrollment warrants opening a second classroom.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced early childhood educator looking to advance into a leadership role.

What You'll Do

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with planning and implementing engaging daily lessons.
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
• Provide small-group and individualized instruction.
• Assist with developmental assessments using Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Help prepare classroom materials and learning centers.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom.
• Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Build positive relationships with families through daily communication.
• Ensure compliance with DSS Licensing Regulations, ABC Quality standards, and South Carolina First Steps requirements.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and trainings.
• Collaborate with administration to ensure high-quality instruction and classroom readiness.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or another degree that meets South Carolina First Steps 4K Lead Teacher requirements.
• Minimum of two years of preschool classroom experience.
• Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Excellent classroom management and communication skills.
• Ability to pass all required state and federal background screenings.

Preferred

• Experience in a South Carolina First Steps 4K classroom.
• Experience with Creative Curriculum.
• Experience using Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain).

Nice To Haves

Growth Opportunity

This position has a unique opportunity for advancement.

As enrollment increases, C.A.R.E. Academy anticipates the possibility of opening a second South Carolina First Steps 4K classroom. The selected candidate should possess the education, experience, and leadership qualities necessary to transition into a Lead 4K Teacher role if enrollment and program needs require expansion.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about early childhood education.
• Warm, patient, and nurturing.
• Organized and dependable.
• A strong communicator.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• A collaborative team player.
• Ready to grow into a classroom leadership role.

Benefits

• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Professional Development

• Competitive pay based on education and experience.

  Paid holidays.

  Paid time off.

  Professional development opportunities.

  Supportive leadership team.

  Opportunity for career advancement into a Lead Teacher position.

  Positive, family-oriented work environment.

About Us

Our organization prides itself on excellence, our mission is to care, assist, reach and educate all children using the most creative and effective means of teaching. Children are our business and we love what we do! When you consider a career at C.A.R.E. Academy, know you will be joining a team that is passionate about thoroughly preparing their students to become lifelong learners. In a Teacher, we look for committed individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families, while effectively and efficiently running all their classrooms.