Lead Educator

Bright Horizons; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 32,511 - 36,093; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Bright Horizons is seeking a Lead Educator for their Ballston Center in Arlington, VA. In this full-time role, you will lead a team in delivering a high-quality early childhood curriculum while mentoring new teachers. Candidates need a CDA and at least three years of relevant experience.

The position offers an hourly rate of $23.60 to $26.20, along with benefits such as medical insurance and a 401(k) plan. Join us to make a meaningful impact on children's lives!

Qualifications

• Must pass state and company background checks.
• Three years professional experience in high-quality childcare required.
• Experience in NAEYC-accredited center preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Assess and enhance program implementation using educational quality tools.
• Mentor new teachers and partner with families.

Skills

Team leadership

Curriculum development

Communication with families

Mentoring teachers

Education

CDA with educational plan

Associate degree in early childhood education

Job description

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons, where you can make a meaningful impact on children’s lives every day. Learn from early education experts while having the opportunity to mentor others on how they can create engaging curriculum and experiences. Experience this and more as a Bright Horizons Lead Educator at Ballston Center!

Full‑time positions available working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Schedule / Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in implementing high‑quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with our philosophy and anti‑bias education.
• Be a curriculum expert and use educational quality tools to assess and enhance program implementation.
• Partner and communicate effectively with families, while mentoring new teachers and serving as a role model for the teaching team.

Qualifications

Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:

• CDA with an educational plan to complete associate degree is required.
• Associate or higher degree in early childhood education or child development related field is preferred.
• At least three years of professional experience teaching in high‑quality child care, daycare, or preschool settings is required.
• Experience working in a NAEYC‑accredited center is preferred.

Join us to create a safe, nurturing environment that supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create engaging curriculum that shapes future learners and leaders. Discover where your passion and a career at Bright Horizons can lead you – all in an inclusive workplace where you can be you. Apply today and explore the possibilities!

Physical Requirements

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee.

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy‑related limitations.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is between $23.60 - $26.20 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Long‑term and short‑term disability insurance
• Career development opportunities and free college degrees (for you and your teachers) through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program

Life at Bright Horizons

At Bright Horizons, you’re more than your job title — you’re the difference. Whether you’re nurturing a child’s first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We’re a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future — for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.