Child Care Preschool Teacher

Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce; Ohio; On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay based on experience

Paid professional development

Health insurance options

PTO on Day One

Paid major holidays

Paid birthday off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Small Hands Big Dreams is seeking an experienced Lead Child Care Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and building meaningful learning experiences for young children. This role focuses on guiding development, mentoring teammates, and partnering with families in a licensed Ohio program.

You'll deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons, ensure safety and wellbeing, and lead classroom routines while collaborating with leadership to uphold quality care and education.

Qualifications

• Experience in a licensed early childhood program.
• Passion for educating and nurturing young children.
• Understanding of child development and age-appropriate teaching practices.
• Ability to build positive relationships with families and coworkers.
• Dependable, energetic and collaborative as a classroom leader.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and hands-on learning experiences.
• Foster a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment where children feel valued and supported.
• Ensure health, safety, and well-being of every child through active supervision and licensing adherence.
• Build meaningful relationships with families through daily communication, photos, videos, classroom updates, and developmental conversations.
• Observe, assess, and support each child's individual growth and milestones.
• Lead classroom routines with a positive, organized, engaging learning environment.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers and leadership to provide high-quality care and education.
• Serve as a positive role model through professionalism and leadership.

Education

State licensing qualifications (5101:2-12-27); CPL 3 or higher

Job description

Lead with Purpose. Inspire Through Play. Build Bright Futures.

At Small Hands Big Dreams, we believe exceptional teachers change lives. We're looking for an experienced Lead Child Care Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to creating meaningful learning experiences for young children.

If you believe learning happens through exploration, creativity, laughter, and nurturing relationships—and you're ready to lead a classroom with confidence, we'd love to meet you.

As a Lead Teacher, you'll play an essential role in guiding children's development while mentoring teammates, building strong family partnerships, and creating engaging classroom environments where every child can thrive.

Full-time and part-time opportunities for float and assistant positions as well.

Why Small Hands Big Dreams?

For 25 years, Small Hands Big Dreams has earned the highest quality ratings in Ohio by investing in exceptional educators and providing children with outstanding early learning experiences. We are more than a childcare center—we are a community dedicated to helping children, families, and teachers grow together.

Our team lives our CORE Values every day:

• Fun
• Integrity
• Teamwork

If you're looking for a place where your experience is valued, your voice is heard, and your career can continue to grow, you've found it.

What You’ll Do

As a Lead Teacher, you will:

• Create and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and hands-on learning experiences.
• Foster a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment where children feel valued and supported.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of every child through active supervision and adherence to licensing standards.
• Build meaningful relationships with families through daily communication, photos, videos, classroom updates, and developmental conversations.
• Observe, assess, and support each child's individual growth and developmental milestones.
• Lead classroom routines while maintaining a positive, organized, and engaging learning environment.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers and leadership to provide the highest quality care and education.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, leadership, and a commitment to continuous learning.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking experienced educators who:

• Have previous experience working in a licensed early childhood program.
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for educating and nurturing young children.
• Understand child development and age-appropriate teaching practices.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Are dependable, positive, energetic, and committed to excellence.
• Enjoy working as part of a collaborative team while confidently leading a classroom.
• Take pride in creating fun, engaging learning experiences every day.

Benefits

We believe great teachers deserve great support.

We offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team culture
• Begin earning Paid Time Off (PTO) on Day One
• Paid major holidays
• Paid birthday off
• Health insurance options
• Opportunities to grow your career within a company that promotes from within

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're an experienced early childhood educator who believes every day is an opportunity to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and make learning unforgettable, we'd love to welcome you to the Small Hands Big Dreams family.

Qualifications

I. Educational Requirements A. Meet all state licensing qualifications (5101:2-12-27) B. CPL 3 or higher

II. Physical Requirements A. Lifting and carrying children that may weigh 10- 70lbs. B. Stand up to 90% of the day while supervising the safety of the children