Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking a passionate, dedicated, and energetic Lead Teacher to design a nurturing environment and foster early childhood development in Knightdale, NC. As a Lead Teacher, you will plan and execute high-quality lesson plans, mentor assistant teachers, and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with families. Your primary goal is to ignite curiosity, encourage social-emotional growth, and build a safe classroom space where every child thrives.

Key Responsibilities

• Curriculum & Instruction: Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with North Carolina early childhood education frameworks.

• Classroom Leadership: Supervise, train, and collaborate with assistant teachers, floaters, and classroom volunteers.

• Child Safety & Well-being: Ensure full compliance with the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (NC DCDEE) safety, hygiene, and licensing standards.

• Assessments & Progress: Monitor, evaluate, and document developmental milestones or academic progress using standardized observational tools.

• Family Engagement: Conduct parent-teacher conferences and provide regular, transparent updates regarding student behavioral and academic achievements.

• Environment Maintenance: Keep a clean, organized, healthy, and highly interactive classroom environment.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: High school diploma required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field is highly preferred.

• Credentials: Must possess the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) or equivalent, or an active Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of classroom teaching experience, preferably in a licensed childcare facility or academy setting.

• Certifications: Current First Aid and CPR Certification required. SIDS certification may be required depending on classroom placement.

• Background Clearance: Must clear a mandatory North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Criminal Background Check and fingerprinting protocol.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to actively engage with children, which includes kneeling, sitting on the floor, and lifting or carrying up to 30–40 pounds.

Benefits Package

• Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay.

• Childcare tuition discounts.

• Continuous professional development assistance and training hours.

Join a team where your passion for early childhood education is met with deep professional respect, competitive local pay, and a highly collaborative community. At our Knightdale facility, we believe that supporting our educators is the single most important step in helping our children thrive. When you join us, you will work in a modern, resource-rich environment backed by a leadership team committed to your growth through paid professional development, clear career pathways, and an inclusive, family-first culture. We do not just offer a job—we offer a stable, uplifting career where your creativity is valued, your safety is prioritized, and your dedication directly shapes the future of families right here in our community.