Lead Preschool Teacher

Berry Patch Kids; Seymour (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Berry Patch Kids in Seymour, Tennessee is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to manage a classroom for toddlers and preschoolers, fostering a safe, engaging learning environment.

You will develop age-appropriate curricula, lead a teaching team, and ensure compliance with Tennessee licensing requirements while partnering with families to support children's growth and success.

Qualifications

• Classroom management and leadership in a child care setting.
• Strong communication with parents, staff, and administration.
• Understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and licensing rules.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage and lead the classroom.
• Develop and implement age-appropriate curricula.
• Coordinate with teaching staff and volunteers for teamwork.
• Maintain health, safety, and licensing compliance.
• Communicate regularly with families about progress.

Skills

Classroom management

Team leadership

Communication

Child development

Education

CDA credential

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Berry Patch Kids is looking for a *dedicated, experienced, and enthusiastic Lead Teacher* to join our early childhood education team!

We are seeking someone who is confident in classroom management, passionate about early childhood development, and capable of creating a positive, structured, and engaging learning environment.

• Independently managing and leading your own classroom
• Developing a strong, cooperative teaching team with supporting staff
• Planning and implementing age-appropriate educational curriculum
• Encouraging early literacy, language development, fine motor skills, and social-emotional growth
• Establishing consistent classroom routines and expectations
• Maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and nurturing environment
• Communicating professionally with parents, coworkers, and administration
• Overseeing daily classroom operations while meeting Tennessee childcare licensing requirements
• Has experience working with toddlers and preschool-aged children
• Demonstrates strong leadership and organizational skills
• Understands developmentally appropriate teaching practices
• Is dependable, patient, creative, and self-motivated
• Can confidently guide supporting staff and encourage teamwork
• Is passionate about preparing young children for future academic and social success

We believe early childhood education is about much more than simply supervising children. We are building confidence, independence, friendships, communication skills, and a lifelong love of learning.

We are looking for a teacher who takes *pride and ownership in their classroom*, values teamwork, and wants to make a meaningful difference in children's lives.

*Berry Patch Kids — Seymour, Tennessee*

Where little minds grow and great teachers make a difference!

What You'll Do

What You'll Do

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards.
• Lead by example to encourage teaching team success through hands-on modeling and coaching.
• Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive, and emotional growth.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and structured parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and Tennessee state licensing regulations are fully met.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment by maintaining appropriate hygiene, cleanliness, safety, and security standards for all children.

Requirements

• Classroom experience is required, with 1 to 3 years of experience preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills paired with high energy and the ability to work well with staff, children, and parents.
• Ability to foster a collaborative team environment and effectively direct teacher assistants or volunteers.
• Must pass a full criminal background check and clear a comprehensive health screening.
• Ability to physically take frequent walks, kneel, bend, squat, crawl, and handle classroom objects, tools, or controls.
• Ability to see up close and at a distance, see colors, and maintain strong peripheral vision and depth perception.

Ability to talk to and hear voices clearly at varying volume levels.

Nice To Have

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate degree, or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Established personal professional development plan focused on continuous quality improvement in early childhood education.

Previous experience navigating Tennessee state childcare licensing platforms and building high-trust relationships with families.

Minimum Education : High School or Equivalent