Pre-K Lead Teacher

Pre-K Lead Teacher

Kiddie Academy is looking for a warm, organized, and energetic Pre-K Lead Teacher to guide our oldest learners through their final year before kindergarten. In this role you'll create a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom where four- and five-year-olds build the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills they'll carry into elementary school. You'll own the daily planning, management, and supervision of the classroom, lead and mentor an Assistant Teacher, and serve as the main point of contact for families in your room.

Reports to: Academy Director

What You'll Do

• Plan and deliver daily lessons using the Kiddie Academy Life Essentials® curriculum, with a focus on kindergarten readiness: early literacy, math concepts, science exploration, and social-emotional development.
• Build hands-on activities and well-defined interest areas that spark curiosity, exploration, and problem solving, adjusted for each child's developmental level and learning style.
• Observe, document, and assess each child's progress; complete developmental assessments and share results with families during scheduled parent-teacher conferences throughout the year.
• Make sure every child's physical, social, and emotional needs are met each day, and that all health and safety policies are followed.
• Supervise children during all activities, including meals, transitions, outdoor play, and rest time.
• Keep the classroom clean, organized, and safe in line with NAEYC cleaning and sanitizing guidelines, and make sure classroom and outdoor equipment is in good working order.
• Complete all classroom paperwork accurately and on time, including daily notes, attendance, and incident reports.
• Direct the work of the Assistant Teacher so the classroom runs smoothly, and help evaluate classroom staff.
• Communicate openly and regularly with parents through daily updates, the Family Information Board, classroom bulletin boards, and the classroom section of the monthly newsletter.
• Attend staff meetings, Academy events, and parent meetings; help plan and run Academy-wide events.
• Meet with prospective families and represent the classroom and Academy in a welcoming, professional way.
• Follow all Tennessee Department of Human Services licensing regulations.
• Accept temporary assignments in other classrooms when regularly scheduled staff are unavailable, and perform other related duties as needed.

What We're Looking For

• Prior experience teaching in a preschool or Pre-K classroom (lead teacher experience must).
• CDA credential or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred; Associate's or Bachelor's degree a plus.
• Familiarity with kindergarten readiness standards and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Strong classroom management skills and a calm, positive approach to guiding behavior.
• Clear, warm communicator with children, families, and coworkers.
• Dependable, organized, and comfortable leading a team.
• Must meet all state and local licensing requirements for the position, pass all state medical requirements, and clear a background check.
• Must complete the required annual training hours per state licensing.
• Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds to waist height consistently throughout the day, and be able to stand, bend, kneel, and move actively with children.

Why Kiddie Academy

You'll join a supportive leadership team that values professional growth, a nationally recognized curriculum, and a community of families who are truly invested in their children's education.