First Steps 4K Teacher

Aspire-Early-Learning-Academy-1; Lexington (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid DSS training

Weekly direct deposit

PTO accumulation

Holiday and break pay

Telehealth and Medical benefits

Life insurance

401(k) with match

Free enrollment for first child

Job summary

Aspire Early Learning Academy – Lexington is seeking a patient and dedicated First Steps 4K Lead Teacher to join our team. The classroom will have a maximum of 10 children, with hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

The ideal candidate will foster a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment, support physical, social, emotional, and academic growth, and demonstrate a passion for early childhood education and play-based learning.

Qualifications

• Two-year degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, with progress toward completing a four-year degree.
• Ability to pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry background check and other screenings.
• Ability to use computer applications and technology for classroom/administrative tasks.
• Strong communication and organizational skills for interacting with families and staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, coworkers, and administration.
• Commitment to creating a positive, nurturing learning environment for young children.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all South Carolina First Steps 4K Guidelines and program requirements.
• Follow Aspire Early Learning Academy policies and procedures.
• Create and implement weekly lesson plans using a First Steps 4K-approved curriculum.
• Provide developmentally appropriate, engaging, play-based learning experiences.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, inclusive classroom environment.
• Observe and support each child's development, interests, and learning needs.
• Maintain consistent communication with parents regarding children's daily activities and progress.
• Communicate with families regularly through written communication and face-to-face conversations.
• Establish positive relationships with children, families, and team members.
• Complete daily classroom organization to maintain a sanitary, safe learning environment.
• Attend all required First Steps 4K and SC DSS training.
• Complete continuing education hours.
• Maintain accurate classroom and student documentation as required.

Skills

Strong communication

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Technology literacy

Education

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

Progress toward B.A. in ECE

Tools

MS Office / classroom software

Job description

First Steps 4K Lead Teacher

Aspire Early Learning Academy – Lexington Academy

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of young children? Aspire Early Learning Academy – Lexington is seeking a patient, compassionate, and dedicated First Steps 4K Teacher to join our team. The max number of children in this class is 10. Work hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The First Steps 4K Lead Teacher will create a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment where children can learn, grow, and build the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, understands the importance of play-based learning, and is committed to supporting the physical, social, emotional, and academic development of every child.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all South Carolina First Steps 4K Guidelines and program requirements.
• Follow all Aspire Early Learning Academy policies and procedures.
• Create and implement weekly lesson plans using a First Steps 4K-approved curriculum.
• Provide developmentally appropriate, engaging, and play-based learning experiences.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Observe and support each child's individual development, interests, and learning needs.
• Maintain consistent communication with parents and families regarding children's daily activities, development, and progress.
• Communicate with families regularly through written communication, face-to-face conversations, and other approved methods.
• Establish positive relationships with children, families, and fellow team members.
• Complete daily cleaning and classroom organization routines to maintain a sanitary, healthy, and safe learning environment.
• Attend all required First Steps 4K and SC DSS training.
• Complete all required continuing education and professional development hours.
• Maintain accurate classroom and student documentation as required by the program and Aspire Early Learning Academy.

Required Qualifications

• Two-year degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with demonstrated progress toward completing a four-year degree program.
• Ability to successfully pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry background check and all other required background screenings.
• Ability to use a variety of computer applications and technology to complete classroom and administrative tasks.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, co-workers, administration, and program partners.
• Commitment to creating a positive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for young children.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Previous experience working in a play-based early childhood environment.
• Experience developing and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
• Ability to work creatively, independently, and flexibly in a fast-paced early learning environment.

Why Join Aspire Early Learning Academy?

At Aspire Early Learning Academy, our mission is to develop a community of confident students who love to learn. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive—and we believe the same should be true for our teachers.

We invest in our team through professional development, training, and opportunities for continued growth.

Company Benefits Include:

• Paid DSS training — up to 15 hours
• Weekly direct deposit every Friday
• Convenient payroll access through a website or mobile app
• Conference and professional workshop opportunities
• PTO accumulation — up to 40 hours per year
• Winter Break Pay — up to 40 hours per year
• Summer Break Pay — up to 40 hours per year
• Nights and weekends off
• Free enrollment for your first child
• Holiday and seasonal break pay after the 90-day probationary period
• Company-paid Telehealth, Medical, and Mental Health benefits while employed
• $25,000 company-paid term life insurance policy while employed
• Optional Vision, Dental, and Whole Life Insurance
• Optional 401(k) plan with a 3% employer match after six months of employment

Company benefits are available after successful completion of the 90-day probationary period and are subject to applicable eligibility requirements.