Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Kidz Korner Children’s Center

Job Description: Lead Teacher

Position Title: Lead Teacher Reports To: Director / Site Supervisor

Program: Preschool / Child Care Program

Employment Status: Full-Time or Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and engaging classroom environment for children. The Lead Teacher supports children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, physical, and creative development while ensuring compliance with licensing regulations, center policies, and program expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily activities.
• Maintain a warm, positive, respectful classroom environment.
• Supervise children at all times indoors, outdoors, during meals, rest time, transitions, and field trips.
• Follow child care licensing requirements, including supervision, ratios, health, safety, and recordkeeping.
• Support children with self-help skills, social skills, emotional regulation, and positive behavior guidance.
• Use appropriate corrective language and redirection when addressing children’s behavior.
• Observe and document children’s development, progress, and needs.
• Prepare classroom materials, lesson plans, learning centers, and activity areas.
• Communicate professionally with parents regarding children’s daily experiences, progress, and concerns.
• Work cooperatively with assistants, aides, floaters, and other staff members.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Follow all health and safety procedures, including cleaning, sanitizing, handwashing, diapering/toileting support, and illness policies.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as a mandated reporter.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development as required.
• Support inclusion and provide individualized support for children with different learning styles, behaviors, or developmental needs.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must meet California child care licensing requirements for the position.
• Completion of required Early Childhood Education units or equivalent qualifications preferred/required based on assigned role.
• Current or ability to obtain Mandated Reporter training.
• Current or ability to obtain Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification.
• Current or ability to obtain health screening, TB clearance, immunization records, and criminal background clearance.
• Experience working with preschool-age children preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong classroom management and supervision skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with children, families, and staff.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Patience, flexibility, dependability, and professionalism.
• Ability to lead a classroom team and model appropriate interactions.
• Ability to follow written policies, schedules, licensing requirements, and safety procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, lift, and move throughout the classroom and playground.
• Ability to lift or assist children as needed.
• Ability to supervise children visually and physically at all times.
• Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities.

Work Expectations:

The Lead Teacher is expected to arrive on time, maintain dependable attendance, follow the daily schedule, communicate professionally, and help create a safe, loving, structured, and respectful learning environment for all children.