Lead Childcare Teacher

Southern Payroll Solutions; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Free childcare

Training reimbursement

Teacher appreciation

Decor allowances

Career development

Job summary

Grow With Us Learning Academy in Fort Walton Beach, FL seeks a dedicated Lead Teacher to guide early childhood education in a nurturing, engaged environment. You will design developmentally appropriate lessons and build strong partnerships with families and staff to support growth and learning.

The role emphasizes collaboration, organization, and a commitment to quality early childhood education, with a full-time schedule and active involvement in safety and licensing compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; state credentials preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in early childhood education.
• Experience leading a classroom independently.
• Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Completion of state-required early childhood training (40-hour childcare, VPK Emergent Literacy).
• Ability to meet state background screening requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and be on your feet for extended periods.
• Availability Monday–Friday, with occasional events outside regular hours.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement weekly lesson plans supporting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Lead daily classroom activities including art, music, storytelling, and structured play to promote learning across domains.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating classroom environment while ensuring licensing and safety standards.
• Conduct ongoing observations, assessments, and daily documentation to track developmental progress.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding children’s daily experiences and milestones.
• Model best practices and support the development of assistant teachers through guidance and constructive feedback.
• Maintain classroom organization, bulletin boards, and age-appropriate learning materials.
• Uphold required child-to-staff ratios and participate in regular facility and classroom safety checks.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Early childhood credentials preferred

40‑hour childcare training

VPK Emergent Literacy training

Job description

Lead Teacher – Early Childhood Education

Are you passionate about shaping young minds and creating meaningful early learning experiences? We’re seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to join our team and help support the growth and development of young learners in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.

As a Lead Teacher, you will guide classroom instruction, design developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and foster strong partnerships with families and staff. This role is ideal for an educator who is organized, collaborative, and committed to quality early childhood education.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement weekly lesson plans that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Lead daily classroom activities including art, music, storytelling, and structured play to promote learning across all domains.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating classroom environment while ensuring compliance with licensing and safety standards.
• Conduct ongoing observations, assessments, and daily documentation to track developmental progress.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding children’s daily experiences and milestones.
• Model best practices and support the development of assistant teachers through guidance and constructive feedback.
• Maintain classroom organization, bulletin boards, and age-appropriate learning materials.
• Uphold required child-to-staff ratios and participate in regular facility and classroom safety checks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional early childhood credentials preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience working in early childhood education.
• Experience working with the age group you will lead (Infants/Ones, Twos, or Preschool).
• Prior experience leading a classroom independently.
• Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Completion of state-required early childhood training courses (including 40-hour childcare training, VPK Emergent Literacy, and applicable preservice coursework).
• Ability to meet state background screening requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, sit on the floor with children, and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Availability during operating hours (Monday–Friday), with occasional events or trainings outside of regular hours.

What We Offer

Full-time employees may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which can include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• FREE Childcare
• Training reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Employee referral incentives
• Teacher appreciation programs
• Classroom décor allowances
• Career development support and TEACH program sponsorships

Grow With Us Learning Academy is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and strive to maintain a respectful and inclusive work environment for everyone.