Lead Childcare Teacher

Southern Payroll Solutions; Freeport (FL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and paid holidays

FREE Childcare

Training reimbursement and development

Employee referral incentives

Teacher appreciation programs

Classroom décor allowances

Career development support and TEACH

Job summary

Grow With Us Learning Academy is seeking a Lead Teacher to guide classroom instruction and design developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. You will foster partnerships with families and staff in a safe, nurturing environment.

The ideal candidate has experience leading a classroom and is organized, collaborative, and committed to quality early childhood education. This full-time role offers comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; additional early childhood credentials are preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in early childhood education.
• Experience 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.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement weekly lesson plans supporting children’s development.
• Lead daily classroom activities including art, music, storytelling, and structured play.
• Maintain a safe and stimulating classroom in compliance with licensing standards.
• Conduct ongoing observations and daily documentation of progress.
• Communicate with families regarding children’s daily experiences and milestones.
• Model best practices and guide assistant teachers.
• Maintain classroom organization and age-appropriate learning materials.
• Uphold required child-to-staff ratios and participate in safety checks.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Early childhood credentials

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.