Lead Preschool Teacher

Discovery Childcare Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Sur place; USD 38 000 - 56 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Tuition Assistance

Child Care Discount

Professional Development

Résumé du poste

Discovery Childcare Inc. in the District of Columbia is seeking an experienced Lead Preschool Teacher to guide a warm, play-based classroom and ensure safety and development.

You will plan curriculum, supervise staff, partner with families, and uphold licensing standards while fostering social-emotional growth and kindergarten readiness.

This role requires strong classroom management, effective communication, and collaboration with assistants to create an engaging, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Must meet Washington State DCYF requirements for Lead Teacher.
• Must have the required ECE credential/certificate for the position.
• Experience working with preschool-age children and lead teacher responsibilities.
• Must complete required background checks and DCYF preservice training.

Responsabilités

• Lead the daily operation of the preschool classroom.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities.
• Provide active supervision and maintain staff-to-child ratios.
• Collaborate with assistants, families, and administration.
• Document learning progress and maintain classroom records.

Connaissances

Classroom management

Communication

Team collaboration

Formation

ECE credential/certificate

Outils

Procare

Description du poste

Job Description

About This Role

We are looking for an experienced, passionate, and dependable Lead Preschool Teacher to join our early learning team. The Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for young children. This position takes the lead in planning and implementing curriculum, establishing consistent classroom routines, supporting children’s social‑emotional development, communicating with families, and working collaboratively with assistant teachers. We are looking for someone who understands that preschool children learn best through play, hands‑on experiences, meaningful relationships, exploration, and consistent guidance. The ideal candidate is a confident classroom leader who can independently manage a classroom while also building a strong, collaborative teaching team.

What You'll Do

Classroom Leadership

• Lead the daily operation of the preschool classroom.
• Create a warm, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Establish consistent routines, expectations, and classroom procedures.
• Provide active supervision of children at all times.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and group-size requirements.
• Work collaboratively with assistant teachers and support staff.
• Delegate classroom responsibilities appropriately and help team members stay on track.
• Model professionalism, patience, and positive interactions with children and coworkers.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment.

Curriculum & Learning

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences.
• Create activities that support children’s cognitive, language, physical, social‑emotional, and creative development.
• Provide opportunities for hands‑on exploration, discovery, problem‑solving, and child‑led learning.
• Incorporate children’s interests, strengths, cultures, and individual needs into curriculum planning.
• Support kindergarten readiness while maintaining a play‑based approach.
• Document children’s learning, development, and classroom experiences as required.
• Adapt activities to meet the developmental needs of individual children.
• Encourage independence, curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

Positive Guidance & Social-Emotional Development

• Build trusting and responsive relationships with children.
• Use positive guidance and developmentally appropriate behavior‑support strategies.
• Help children identify and express emotions appropriately.
• Teach conflict‑resolution, problem‑solving, friendship, and classroom community skills.
• Support children who may need additional behavioral or developmental support.
• Follow individual behavior or support plans when applicable.
• Partner with families and administration when concerns arise.
• Maintain a trauma‑informed and relationship‑based approach to guidance.

Family Communication

• Build positive and professional relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about their child's day, development, and accomplishments.
• Share classroom updates, learning experiences, and important information with families.
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information.
• Communicate concerns professionally and promptly with families and administration.
• Encourage families to participate in their child's learning and development.

Health, Safety & Licensing

• Follow all Washington State childcare licensing requirements and center policies.
• Maintain active supervision and appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
• Follow health and safety procedures.
• Complete required classroom documentation and records accurately.
• Follow proper procedures for meals, diapering/toileting, handwashing, cleaning, rest periods, transitions, and outdoor play.
• Complete required incident and injury documentation.
• Follow emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of children's records and information.
• Support the center in maintaining compliance with applicable WAC 110-300 requirements.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend required staff meetings, training, and professional development.
• Participate in classroom observations and coaching.
• Maintain required Washington State professional‑development documentation.
• Communicate effectively with the Director and administrative team.
• Be receptive to feedback and committed to continuous professional growth.
• Assist with center‑wide activities and events.
• Support other classrooms and staff when needed.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude throughout the workday.

Requirements

• Applicants must meet Washington State requirements for working as a Lead Teacher in a licensed early learning program.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must meet applicable Washington State DCYF education and experience requirements for the position.
• Must have the required ECE credential/certificate or approved equivalent, as applicable to the position and center.
• Must have experience working with preschool‑age children.
• Previous experience as a Lead Teacher is strongly preferred.
• Must be able to successfully complete all required background checks.
• Must complete required Washington State childcare preservice training and orientation.
• Must maintain required professional development and training.
• Must have a strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Must understand and follow Washington State childcare licensing requirements.
• Must demonstrate strong classroom‑management and communication skills.
• Must be dependable, professional, and able to work effectively as part of a teaching team.
• Must be able to safely supervise and actively engage with young children throughout the workday.
• Education and professional credentials are subject to verification through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) electronic workforce registry when applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field.
• Previous Lead Preschool Teacher experience.
• Experience working with children ages 2.5–3.5 years.
• Experience creating and implementing play‑based curriculum.
• Strong understanding of Washington State WAC 110-300 requirements.
• Experience with developmental assessments and child observations.
• Experience creating individualized learning strategies.
• Experience supporting children with challenging behaviors or additional developmental needs.
• Training in trauma‑informed care.
• Training in social‑emotional learning and positive guidance.
• Experience mentoring assistant teachers.
• Experience using Procare or other childcare management software.
• Strong written documentation skills.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development