Lead Teacher

Early Learning Company; Big Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Tuition discount

Career growth

Collaborative work environment

Family atmosphere

Job summary

Early Learning Company is seeking a dedicated lead teacher to guide classrooms in our two childcare brands. You’ll plan and implement age-appropriate lessons, mentor staff, and ensure a safe, engaging environment where children grow and families feel supported.

You will collaborate with colleagues to maintain curriculum standards and participate in ongoing professional development, all while upholding Michigan licensing requirements and best practices in early childhood education.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be at least 19 years of age and meet Michigan Child Care Licensing qualifications.
• Pathway 1: High school diploma or equivalent, 1 year (1,920 hours) experience in licensed child care or CDA credential with MiRegistry training.
• Pathway 2: High school diploma or equivalent, 6 months (960 hours) experience, plus coursework in Early Childhood Education/Child Development/Child Care Administration and related requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor assistant teachers and classroom aides.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with the center's educational philosophy.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children to explore and learn.
• Establish open communication with parents/guardians to share developmental progress.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to ensure curriculum goals and classroom management strategies.
• Uphold licensing and state standards for compliance.
• Participate in professional development to enhance teaching practices.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Communication with parents/children

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

MiRegistry-approved training

CDA Credential

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Company Overview

Early Learning Company operates two childcare brands: Hunte's Clubhouse and Gro Childcare Academy. Founded in 1995, Hunte's Clubhouse grew from a single center into what is now Early Learning Company, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and care across multiple locations. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, safe, and enriching environment where children thrive and families feel supported. We offer activities that are specifically designed to encourage each child's growth. Through cooperative play and creative activities, kids reach their social, emotional, and physical milestones naturally and with ease. We thrive on a strong sense of community, and our caregivers are a major part of our success. Beyond professional requirements, our staff are nurturing, attentive, and able to communicate with parents and children.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor assistant teachers and classroom aides.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with the center's educational philosophy.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can explore and learn.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with parents/guardians to share children's developmental progress and achievements.
• Collaborate with other teachers and staff to ensure consistent implementation of curriculum goals and classroom management strategies.
• Uphold all licensing and state standards, ensuring that the classroom remains compliant with regulations.
• Participate actively in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching practices and classroom management skills.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be at least 19 years of age and meet Michigan Child Care Licensing qualifications for the position.

Pathway 1

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year (1,920 hours) of experience working in a licensed child care setting
• OR possession of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
• AND MiRegistry-approved training, including:
• 3 hours in Program Management, Observation/Documentation/Assessment, and Teaching & Learning
• 6 hours in one or more of the following: Interactions and Guidance, Challenging Behaviors, Trauma-Informed Practices

Pathway 2

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 6 months (960 hours) of experience working in a licensed child care setting
• AND 6 semester hours, 9 CEUs, or 90 clock hours of coursework in:
• Early Childhood Education
• Child Development
• Child Care Administration
• A child-related field
• Ability to pass comprehensive background check requirements under Michigan Child Care licensing
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to create a structured and creative learning environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with children, families, and co-workers
• Physically able to engage with children at their level, which may include lifting up to 40 lbs, bending, and sitting on the floor

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance and other supplemental insurance options
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays)
• Health and Wellness Programs, including counseling services and a free streaming workout subscription
• 50% childcare tuition discount for employees or with participation in the TriShare program, employee parents pay 33% of tuition
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• A fun, supportive, and collaborative work environment
• And best of all... a fun-filled family atmosphere where every day brings an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families!

Work Schedule

• Scheduled working hours: 7AM-3PM, Monday through Friday
• No nights (outside of one monthly staff meeting after hours), weekends, or holidays