Childcare Lead Teacher

Sunrise Preschools; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunrise Preschools in Surprise, AZ is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to create a classroom filled with discovery, creativity, learning, and joy, guiding children through meaningful experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, kindness, and growth.

You will serve as a trusted partner to families and a positive role model within a collaborative teaching team dedicated to engaging, nurturing, safe, and fun early childhood education.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Completion of 12 hours of childcare training within 30 days of hire.
• Genuine care for children and a commitment to safety.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships with families.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons and activities for the classroom
• Keep the classroom safe, organized, and compliant with licensing and ratio requirements
• Observe and document each child's development and share progress with families regularly
• Build relationships with parents through daily communication and scheduled conferences
• Complete required documentation including attendance, incident reports, and assessments

Skills

Classroom management

Communication with families

Observation and documentation

Building relationships with parents

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Early Childhood Education coursework (preferred)

Job description

Lead Teacher -- Surprise, AZ

As a Lead Teacher at Sunrise Preschools, you will help create a classroom filled with discovery, creativity, learning, and joy. Each day, you will guide children through meaningful experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, kindness, and growth. From hands-on activities and storytelling to everyday learning moments, you will shape a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the world around them.

You will serve as a trusted partner to families, a positive role model for children, and an important part of our collaborative teaching team dedicated to making early childhood education engaging, nurturing, safe, and fun.

What your day looks like:

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons and activities for the classroom
• Keep the classroom safe, organized, and compliant with licensing and ratio requirements
• Observe and document each child's development and share progress with families regularly
• Build relationships with parents through daily communication and scheduled conferences
• Complete required documentation including attendance, incident reports, and assessments

Requirements

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to pass a background check
• Completion of 12 hours of childcare training within 30 days of hire (we will help you get there)
• Genuine care for children and a commitment to their safety and well-being
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with families
• Physical ability to meet the demands of working with young children

A degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education and prior experience in a licensed childcare center are a plus, but not required. We hire for character and train for skill.

About Child Development Schools

Child Development Schools is a childcare and early education provider with 270+ centers across 11 states, serving over 30,000 children ages six weeks to twelve years. We are committed to providing high-quality developmental education and supporting the families and communities we serve.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. Child Development Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

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