Head Start Lead Teacher

Caterpillar Corner, LLC; Holt (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Caterpillar Corner, LLC in Holt is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher for its Head Start preschool program. This full-time position focuses on enriching the lives of 3- and 4-year-old children through nurturing, organized classroom environments and strong family relationships.

The ideal candidate should hold an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and exhibit a passion for the field, with responsibilities including lesson planning, assessment monitoring, and maintaining communication with families.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• Minimum of 18 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education needed.
• Passionate about early childhood education and committed to quality.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons.
• Create an engaging learning environment for preschool children.
• Assess children's development using Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Maintain communication with families and delegate classroom tasks.
• Attend training and staff meetings regularly.

Skills

Classroom management

Professional communication

Leadership abilities

Collaboration in team environment

Passion for early childhood education

Education

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

18 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Teaching Strategies GOLD

Procare communication software

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance

Position Title

Lead Teacher – Head Start Preschool Program

Location

Holt

Partnership Program

Capital Area Community Services (CACS)

Employment Type

Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate, dependable, and professional Lead Teacher to join our Head Start preschool program serving children ages 3 and 4 years old. This position is part of a partnership with Capital Area Community Services (CACS) and follows all Head Start program standards, policies, and partnership expectations.

The ideal candidate is nurturing, organized, team-oriented, and committed to providing high-quality early childhood education while building strong relationships with children, families, and staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field
• Minimum of 18 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education

Candidates with degrees in other fields are encouraged to apply if they have completed at least 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education coursework.

Essential Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and classroom activities using a research-based curriculum.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for preschool-aged children.
• Utilize Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) to assess and monitor children’s development through observations, anecdotal note‑taking, documentation, and data collection.
• Complete checkpoints and maintain accurate child assessment records to support developmental growth and school readiness goals.
• Use assessment data to individualize instruction and support parent-teacher conferences.
• Conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences per year in accordance with Head Start partnership requirements.
• Maintain ongoing communication with families using Procare communication software, newsletters, conferences, phone calls, and daily interactions.
• Delegate classroom responsibilities effectively and provide leadership within the classroom team.
• Maintain professionalism in all TSG documentation, family communication, and program interactions.
• Follow attendance policies, daily classroom schedules, and all program regulations and expectations.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with administration, support staff, and partnership teams to ensure high-quality programming and compliance standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and positive working relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

Preferred Skills & Qualities

• Strong classroom management and organizational skills
• Professional communication and leadership abilities
• Experience with Teaching Strategies GOLD preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Passion for early childhood education and family engagement
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Supportive and safety-focused team environment
• TEACH Scholarship partnership opportunities to support continued education and professional goals

Why Join Our Team?

Our program is committed to creating a supportive workplace where educators are encouraged to grow professionally, build meaningful relationships, and reach their full potential while making a lasting impact on children and families in our community.