Lead Teacher (Early Childhood Education)

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Lead Teacher to join our early learning center. The ideal candidate will be passionate about early childhood education, have excellent classroom management skills, and be able to create a nurturing and engaging environment for our students. As a Lead Teacher, you will be responsible for leading your classroom, developing lesson plans, and partnering with families to support each child's growth and development.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a classroom in a safe, structured, and engaging environment, fostering a love of learning in our students.
• Implement daily lesson plans and activities that are tailored to the needs of our students, promoting their social, emotional, and academic growth.
• Support the social, emotional, and behavioral development of our students, creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
• Maintain a clean and organized classroom, ensuring compliance with state licensing regulations.
• Communicate regularly with parents, keeping them informed about their child's day and progress.
• Supervise and support assistant teachers or aides, promoting a team-oriented approach to childcare.
• Ensure accurate attendance and daily documentation, maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
• Complete required ongoing professional development and training, staying up-to-date with the latest best practices in early childhood education.
• Bring relevant experience working with children in a childcare or preschool setting, applying your knowledge and skills to our center.
• Meet state licensing requirements for a Lead Teacher, demonstrating a commitment to quality childcare.
• Exhibit strong classroom management and communication skills, building positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate dependability, professionalism, and a passion for early childhood education, inspiring a love of learning in our students.

Requirements

Required Education and Qualifications

Candidates must meet the qualification requirements outlined in the VDOE Child Day Center (8VAC20-780) regulation and meet one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Education with endorsement in early childhood, elementary education, or special education.
• Bachelor's degree in a child-related field with required early childhood coursework.
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• Early Childhood Certificate (minimum of 30 semester hours of child-related coursework).
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent.

Experience Requirements:

• Experience aligned with education pathway per VDOE regulations.
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate curriculum.

Required Certifications

• Current CPR (Pediatric and Adult) certification.
• Current First Aid certification.
• Ability to pass all required Virginia background checks (Central Registry and Criminal History).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and supervise children for extended periods.
• Physical capability to respond to classroom and emergency situations.

Health and Safety Requirements

• Documentation of a negative TB screening per VDOE requirements.
• Completion and maintenance of Daily Health Observation (DHO) training.
• Completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training.
• Completion of Child Abuse and Neglect Training within required timelines.
• Compliance with communicable disease reporting and return-to-care policies.
• Ongoing compliance with all childcare health, safety, and sanitation standards .
• Employment contingent upon meeting and maintaining all required screenings and trainings.

Nice To Haves

Professional Standards

• Maintain the confidentiality of all child and family information, upholding the highest level of professionalism.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct at all times, ensuring a positive and inclusive environment for our students and families.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by Virginia law, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students.
• Uphold the mission and values of the Kids Academy CORE Foundation, inspiring a love of learning in our students and families.

Professional Development

• Complete annual training requirements per Virginia licensing regulations, staying up-to-date with the latest best practices in early childhood education.
• Participate in professional development related to early childhood education and STE(AI)M instruction, enhancing your skills and knowledge as a Lead Teacher.
• Maintain current knowledge of educational technology and innovative teaching practices, applying your skills to create engaging and effective lesson plans.
• Currently hold the position of a Lead Teacher, demonstrating leadership and experience in early childhood education.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation:  Based on experience and qualifications
• Benefits: Paid time off, paid holidays, professional development opportunities
• Enrollment Bonus
• Additional benefits may apply

About Us

Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence (KALE), powered by the CORE Foundation, is a next-generation early learning ecosystem built to nurture the whole child—mind, heart, spirit, and future potential. Rooted in compassion and community impact, KALE blends strong early childhood fundamentals with STE(AI)M™ innovation, literacy foundations, and character development. Our work is purpose-driven, family-centered, and excellence-focused.