Lead Teacher

CHILDREN OF JOY LEARNING ACADEMY LLC; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Children of Joy Learning Academy LLC in Lawton, OK is seeking a Lead/Master Teacher to create a safe, engaging, developmentally appropriate classroom and mentor Assistant Teachers. You will implement curriculum, uphold health and safety standards, and build strong relationships with families while meeting DHS and APPLE accreditation standards.

The ideal candidate has credentials in early childhood education and experience leading teams; this full-time on-site role offers opportunities for

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include one of several early childhood credentials such as CDA/CCP, Mastery certificate, or degrees in ECE.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and floaters

Skills

Mentor staff

Team leadership

Communication

Education

CDA or CCP with Early Learning Guidelines

Certificate of Mastery in Early Childhood Education

30+ college credit hours in ECE

2- or 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education

Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in ECE

Tools

ProCare

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Lawton, OK 73505

Mission & Core Values

At Children of Joy Learning Academy, we believe in nurturing not only the minds of young children but also the hearts of our educators. Our core values are Faith, Education, Service, and Community. We are a faith-driven, education-focused, service-minded organization deeply rooted in the community. Our Lead Teachers serve as both educators and leaders, creating a learning environment that helps all children grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

We seek passionate individuals who view early childhood education as a calling and a career, not just a job. Our ideal candidate is collaborative, compassionate, accountable, and committed to lifelong learning.

Job Summary

The Lead/Master Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment. They provide mentorship and guidance to Assistant Teachers, lead curriculum implementation, ensure health and safety standards, and foster strong relationships with families. Lead Teachers uphold the standards of Children of Joy Learning Academy, DHS regulations, and our national accreditation (APPLE – FACCM, 5-Star Program).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Support

• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and floaters
• Promote positive team culture and collaborative problem-solving
• Model professionalism, compassion, and accountability in all interactions

Health, Safety & Supervision

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children; children must always be within sight and sound
• Complete and document incident/accident reports in ProCare
• Immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect to the Director and DHS
• Participate in regular fire/tornado drills
• Follow all procedures for illness prevention, diapering, feeding, and sanitization

Curriculum & Classroom Procedures

• Plan and implement weekly lesson plans using FrogStreet Curriculum (or COJ-approved curriculum)
• Create center-based classroom environments with labeled materials
• Post daily schedules and lesson plans
• Maintain updated ProCare documentation for learning, meals, toileting, and naps
• Facilitate daily physical activity (indoor/outdoor)
• Engage in sensory play and process-based art
• Model and guide age-appropriate social-emotional learning and positive behavior strategies

Family Communication & Engagement

• Greet every child and parent warmly with a smile
• Maintain respectful, open communication with families using ProCare and face‑to‑face dialogue
• Participate in family events, parent‑teacher conferences, and engagement initiatives

Daily Operations & Compliance

• Take accurate attendance and perform Name-to-Face transitions using ProCare
• Ensure classroom and playground are clean, safe, and fully stocked
• Perform daily cleaning, shutdown checklist, and maintenance reporting
• Supervise transitions during mealtimes, nap time, restroom breaks, and field trips

Professionalism & Development

• Maintain required annual DHS training hours and COJ-specific training
• Complete First Aid/CPR and ELCCT within the first 90 days of employment
• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and coaching feedback
• Reflect on personal teaching practices and seek growth opportunities
• Maintain professional appearance, punctuality, and positive attitude

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

One of the following educational credentials:

• CDA or CCP with Early Learning Guidelines
• Certificate of Mastery in Early Childhood Education
• 30+ college credit hours with 6+ in ECE/Child Development
• 2- or 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development
• Valid Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education

• Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification or obtained within 90 days
• ELCCT Certificate within 90 days
• Must pass background check (includes fingerprints)
• No criminal history involving children, neglect, abuse, or violence

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years teaching in early childhood settings
• Experience leading teams or mentoring assistant teachers
• Strong communication and classroom management skills
• Experience with ProCare software

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, jump, crawl, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, including in variable weather conditions

Performance Evaluation

Performance will be observed weekly and formally evaluated at 30 days, 90 days, and annually. Ongoing feedback will be provided to support growth and success in the role.