Lead Teacher – 8:30 am – 5:00 pm – Arlington

Close Reach Academy; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 31,684 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid personal time off

Paid sick time

Paid holidays

Childcare discount

90-day probationary period

Job summary

A community-focused early childhood education provider in Arlington is seeking a passionate Lead Teacher to inspire and guide children in their learning journey. The ideal candidate will design engaging curricula, ensure a safe and joyful classroom, and foster relationships with families. A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is required, along with experience in group care settings and relevant certifications. The position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including medical insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in a group care setting.
• Completion of 30 hours of STARS training.
• First Aid/CPR certification within the last two years.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement age-appropriate curriculum.
• Monitor and ensure children's health and safety.
• Document children's development and progress.

Skills

Engaging curriculum design

Strong interpersonal skills

Classroom management

Health and safety compliance

Developmental observation and assessment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Associate's Degree in ECE or related field

Job description

Hours: 40 hours weekly
Compensation: $23–$26 per hour, commensurate with experience and education

At Close Reach Academy, we believe childhood is magical—and so is teaching.

Our classrooms are places filled with curiosity, laughter, connection, and growth.

We’re looking for a Lead Teacher who brings not only expertise, but also joy, warmth, and enthusiasm to every day.

If you love sparking discovery, building meaningful relationships, and creating a vibrant learning environment where every child feels seen and celebrated, we would love to welcome you to our team.

Job Description

Under general supervision, the Lead Teacher provides developmentally appropriate care and instruction for children enrolled at Close Reach Academy.

This role includes designing engaging, age-appropriate curriculum; fostering strong and supportive relationships with children and families; and modeling high-quality, joyful teaching practices for your team.

Lead Teachers guide, inspire, and collaborate—helping create a classroom environment that is safe, enriching, and alive with learning.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Champion health & safety with heart. You understand that caring for children begins with ensuring their physical and emotional well-being, always maintaining ratios and following licensing requirements.
• Create a joyful, well-managed classroom. With warmth and consistency, you provide continuous supervision and positive behavior guidance in alignment with CRA policies.
• Design exciting learning experiences. Plan, adapt, and schedule age-appropriate curriculum that sparks curiosity and supports cognitive growth in alignment with Washington State benchmarks.
• Keep the classroom inviting and inspiring. Ensure learning spaces are clean, orderly, safe, and full of opportunities for exploration.
• Support your team generously. From setting up activities to navigating transitions, you collaborate with assistants and fellow teachers to keep the day running smoothly—and joyfully.
• Observe, document, and celebrate growth. Record daily observations, track developmental milestones, and develop individualized assessments that help each child thrive.
• Maintain accurate records with care. Manage attendance, enrollment documentation, and confidential files responsibly.
• Protect children with vigilance. Monitor for signs of abuse and report concerns immediately to appropriate authorities.
• Stay inspired and up-to-date. Remain current in early childhood development research and complete required continuing education.
• Partner with families. Schedule and lead parent-teacher conferences, offering compassionate communication and personalized strategies to support each child’s learning journey.
• Uphold licensing and policy standards. Follow all regulatory guidelines and organizational expectations with excellence and integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Psychology, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience working with children in a group care setting
• Completion of 30 hours of STARS training
• First Aid/CPR certification (within the last two years)

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in ECE or a similar field of study
• 2+ years of experience working with children in a group care setting
• Willingness to undergo a background check and complete required training certificates (30 Hours STARS, First Aid/CPR, Washington State Food Handlers)

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid personal time off
• Paid sick time
• Paid holidays
• Childcare discount
• 90-day probationary period

What Makes Close Reach Academy Special?

We’re a community that believes learning should feel like an adventure—messy, meaningful, hands-on, and full of heart. As a Lead Teacher, you become a guide, a mentor, a cheerleader, and a steady source of joy in the classroom. Your creativity is encouraged. Your voice is valued.

Your passion becomes part of the school’s culture.

If you’re ready to inspire young minds and help shape a learning environment where children—and teachers—love to be, Close Reach Academy is waiting to meet you.