lead teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

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 our 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.

• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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 (this may include 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).

• 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.