Georgia Pre-K Lead Teacher

Summary

Georgia Pre-K Teacher — Position Summary

A Georgia Pre-K Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality early childhood education program that aligns with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) standards and the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) . The teacher provides a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports children’s academic, social, emotional, and physical growth in preparation for kindergarten.

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing lesson plans based on GELDS, conducting ongoing child observations and assessments, maintaining accurate documentation, and creating engaging learning experiences through play-based and teacher-guided instruction. The Georgia Pre-K Teacher manages classroom routines, promotes positive behavior guidance, and ensures compliance with Bright from the Start regulations and program requirements.

The teacher works collaboratively with assistant teachers, administrators, and families to support each child’s individual development. Responsibilities also include maintaining classroom organization, supervising children at all times, communicating regularly with families regarding progress, and participating in required professional development and training.

The role requires professionalism, strong classroom management, effective communication skills, and a commitment to fostering school readiness while building strong relationships with children and families.

Duties

Georgia Pre-K Teacher Duties

Instruction & Curriculum

• Plan and implement daily lesson plans aligned with the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) .
• Provide developmentally appropriate instruction that supports school readiness in literacy, math, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning.
• Use a balance of teacher-directed instruction, learning centers, and play-based learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet individual learning needs and developmental levels.

Classroom Management

• Maintain a structured, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
• Establish consistent routines and clear expectations for children.
• Use positive behavior guidance and redirection strategies.
• Ensure active supervision of children at all times.

Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct ongoing observations and assessments as required by Georgia Pre-K.
• Maintain accurate child portfolios and developmental records.
• Complete required assessments and submit documentation within program deadlines.
• Track student progress and use data to guide instruction.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Bright from the Start rules and Georgia Pre-K regulations.
• Maintain proper classroom ratios and supervision standards.
• Ensure sanitation, hygiene, and safety procedures are followed daily.
• Report incidents, concerns, or injuries according to the center's policy.

Family Communication

• Maintain regular communication with families regarding the child's progress and classroom activities.
• Participate in conferences, family engagement events, and program meetings.
• Provide families with resources that support learning at home.

Collaboration & Professionalism

• Work cooperatively with assistant teachers, administration, and support staff.
• Participate in required professional development and Georgia Pre-K trainings.
• Attend staff meetings and program planning sessions.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct at all times.

Classroom Operations

• Prepare classroom materials and maintain organized learning areas.
• Support transitions, meals, rest time, playground supervision, and daily routines.
• Ensure classroom supplies and learning materials are maintained and used appropriately.

Requirements

Georgia Pre-K Teacher Requirements

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (four-year degree) from an accredited college or university required .
• Degree must be in Early Childhood Education , Child Development , Elementary Education , or a closely related field approved by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).
• Must meet all Georgia Pre-K Lead Teacher credential requirements as established by Bright from the Start.

Certification & Credentials

• Valid Georgia Teaching Certificate preferred (or eligibility to obtain certification if required by funding guidelines).
• Must meet Georgia Pre-K credential verification standards.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Current satisfactory comprehensive criminal background check as required by Bright from the Start.

Experience

• Previous experience working with preschool-age children preferred.
• Experience in a structured early childhood classroom or Georgia Pre-K setting strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of GELDS, lesson planning, and child assessment practices preferred.

Professional Expectations

• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Ability to plan and implement developmentally appropriate instruction.
• Effective communication skills with children, families, and staff.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and required annual training hours.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively supervise young children indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds, sit on the floor, bend, and move frequently throughout the day.
• Ability to respond quickly to children’s safety needs.

Nice To Haves

Georgia Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education (P–5) or related field.
Previous experience teaching in a Georgia Pre-K or state-funded Pre-K program.
Knowledge of Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) and Bright from the Start regulations.
Experience with child assessment systems, portfolios, and developmental documentation.
Training or experience in positive behavior guidance and social-emotional learning practices.
Familiarity with Quality Rated standards and classroom environment assessments.
Strong classroom organization and curriculum planning skills.
Experience working collaboratively with assistant teachers and support staff.
Experience communicating with families through conferences, newsletters, or parent engagement activities.
CPR/First Aid certification at time of hire.
Experience integrating hands-on learning, literacy-rich environments, and play-based instruction.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.

Benefits

Childcare Tuition Discount for employees’ enrolled children, based on availability and center policies.
Supportive, family-oriented work environment.
Consistent weekday schedule aligned with Georgia Pre-K calendar.
Opportunities for professional development and required training hours.
Experience working within a high-quality early childhood education program aligned with Georgia Pre-K standards.