Lead Teacher

Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency; Gallatin (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) employer contribution after 1st

Paid time off

Professional development

Meaningful work

Job summary

Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency in Gallatin, TN is seeking a Lead Teacher to plan, implement, and supervise developmentally appropriate activities for children, ensuring a safe, nurturing learning environment.

You will guide classroom staff, engage families, and pursue a CDA credential within 12 months of hire; this role requires collaboration and commitment to high-quality early education.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• CDA, AA, or BA in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field preferred.
• Must obtain CDA credential within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement daily activities promoting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Ensure lesson plans align with developmentally appropriate practices and agency guidelines.
• Maintain a safe and organized classroom environment.
• Guide Assistant Teachers and classroom aides in daily responsibilities.
• Observes, records, and documents children’s progress and supports individualized learning plans.
• Follows DHS Licensing, CACFP, and agency health and safety procedures.
• Builds positive relationships with families and communicates progress regularly.
• Participates in family conferences, meetings, and events as assigned.
• Obtain a CDA within 12 months of hire and participate in required training.

Skills

Early childhood development

Classroom management

Family engagement

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDA / AA / BA in ECE or related field

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Lead Teacher

full time Gallatin, TN, US

8 days ago Requisition ID: 1187

The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising developmentally appropriate activities for children in the classroom. This position ensures a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment, provides guidance to classroom staff, and supports positive relationships with families. The Lead Teacher serves as the primary role model for classroom quality and is expected to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within 12 months of hire (if not already held).

Exceptional Benefits Package

• 100% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• 100% Employer-Paid Dental Insurance
• 100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Low-Cost Vision Insurance Available
• 5% Employer Contribution to Your 401(k) After One Year of Service — No Employee Contribution Required
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Meaningful Work Serving Children and Families

Specific Duties of the Job

• Plans and implements daily activities that promote the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.
• Ensures lesson plans align with developmentally appropriate practices and agency guidelines.
• Maintains a safe and organized classroom environment.
• Guides Assistant Teachers and classroom aides in daily responsibilities.
• Child Development & Assessment
  • Observes, records, and documents children’s progress.
  • Supports individualized learning plans for children as needed.
  • Identifies developmental needs and communicates concerns to the Center Manager and families.
• Follows all DHS Licensing, CACFP, and agency health and safety procedures.
• Maintains accurate attendance, meal counts, and required classroom records.
• Ensures daily cleaning, sanitizing, and safety checks are completed.
• Family Engagement
  • Builds positive relationships with families and communicates regularly about children’s progress.
  • Participates in family conferences, meetings, and events as assigned.
  • Provides resources and support to families when appropriate.
• Professionalism & Training
  • Obtains a CDA within 12 months of hire (if not already held).
  • Participates in required training, professional development, and staff meetings.
  • Maintains confidentiality of child, family, and staff information.
  • Assists with recruitment and enrollment efforts for the childcare program.
• Other Duties
  • Works collaboratively with site staff to maintain smooth operations.
  • Provides classroom coverage as needed across the center.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Center Manager.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma or GED.
• Preferred: CDA, AA, or BA/BS in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Requirement: Must obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within 12 months of hire (if not already held).
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with young children in a licensed childcare or early education program preferred.