Lead Teacher (Childcare Associate)

Austin Peay State University; Clarksville (TN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Peay State University seeks a Childcare Associate to lead a childcare program for ages 2½ to 5. You will guide teachers, substitutes, and student workers, serving as the primary contact for curriculum and behavior questions while ensuring safety and compliance with licensing and TNELDS.

You will communicate with families about their children’s progress, prepare weekly lesson plans, and support center operations.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or CDA credential or higher in ECE/child development.
• Two years of experience teaching in early childhood settings is required.
• Must meet Tennessee DHS staff eligibility, background check, and training requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership to classroom teachers, substitutes, and student workers.
• Serve as first point of contact for curriculum, behavior questions, and classroom concerns.
• Plan and conduct developmentally appropriate activities aligned with TNELDS; post weekly lesson plans.
• Maintain safety, hygiene, and compliant classroom operations.
• Communicate with families about children’s experiences and partner with the Director on center plans.
• Maintain accurate records and participate in staff meetings and professional development.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Judgment

Safety awareness

Collaboration

Family engagement

Education

High school diploma or CDA credential

Associate degree or higher in ECE/Child development

Two years of experience in early childhood classroom

Tennessee DHS staff eligibility requirements

Tools

Procare software

Job description

Description

The Childcare Associate reports to the Director of Little Govs University (LGU) and leads the daily learning environment for children ages 2½ to 5. The position plans and delivers developmentally appropriate instruction, supports classroom teachers, substitutes, and student workers, and serves as their first point of contact for curriculum and child behavior questions.

The Childcare Associate maintains a safe, welcoming classroom; communicates with families about each child’s experience; and ensures classroom practices and records meet applicable licensing and program standards.

Characteristics Of a Successful Candidate

• A warm, attentive approach to children and families, with sound judgment and consistent follow-through.
• Ability to guide colleagues, communicate clearly, and address classroom questions constructively.
• Commitment to inclusive, developmentally appropriate early childhood practice and positive guidance.
• Careful attention to children’s safety, documentation, confidentiality, and licensing requirements.
• Willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the continuous improvement of LGU.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership and Child Development

• Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to classroom teachers, substitutes, and APSU student workers.
• Serve as the first point of contact for staff questions about curriculum, children’s behavior, and classroom concerns.
• Plan and conduct a child development program that addresses each child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
• Prepare and lead developmentally appropriate group and individual activities aligned with the Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards (TNELDS); post weekly lesson plans.
• Provide opportunities for conversation, imaginative play, creativity, thinking, and problem-solving.
• Use positive guidance to support children’s self-control and healthy relationships with others.

Safety, Operations, and Compliance

• Maintain constant supervision of children, arrange classroom space effectively, and ensure equipment is properly maintained.
• Carry out routines promptly and hygienically in ways consistent with child development practices.
• Create a welcoming classroom in which children feel comfortable and safe.
• Operate the classroom in compliance with applicable licensing standards, Tennessee assessment requirements, and environmental rating scale practices.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, including weekly lesson plans, family involvement documentation, observations, nap charts, and records required by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS).
• Use Procare daily for timekeeping, family communication, daily photographs, and name-to-face counts.

Family Engagement and Center Leadership

• Communicate with families daily about their children's experiences and participate in scheduled family conferences.
• Meet with the Director monthly and serve as the staff point of contact when the Director and Assistant Director are away from the center.
• Participate in staff meetings, workshops, in-service training, and Student Affairs Division meetings.
• Promote LGU’s philosophy and objectives, uphold the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, and complete ongoing professional development required by DHS and the center.
• Participate in center planning and improvement efforts.

Department and Division

• Maintain open communication with the Director and Assistant Director about classroom operations, children’s needs, family concerns, staffing matters, and opportunities to improve the program.
• Work with center leadership to coordinate classroom activities, family engagement opportunities, and center events.
• Use classroom materials and supplies responsibly and communicate resource needs to center leadership.
• Collaborate with center colleagues and appropriate university partners to support children’s learning and well-being.
• Prepare timely and accurate reports as requested by center leadership.
• Stay informed about early childhood practices, licensing requirements, and relevant guidance; share useful information with classroom staff.
• Participate in relevant professional organizations as appropriate.

Required Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent and a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or an associate degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a closely related field.
• At least two years of experience teaching children in an early childhood classroom or licensed child care setting.
• Ability to meet all applicable Tennessee DHS child care staff eligibility, background check, and training requirements.

Preferred Skills And Qualifications

Complementing the required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or a closely related field.
• Experience leading a preschool classroom and coaching teachers, substitutes, or student workers.
• Knowledge of the Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards and experience using observations to adapt learning activities.
• Experience with environmental rating scales, family engagement, and child care software such as Procare.
• Strong communication, organization, and judgment when addressing children’s needs and collaborating with families and colleagues.

Core Competencies And Work Requirements

• Communicate effectively with children, families, colleagues, and the public; work respectfully with people from varied backgrounds.
• Maintain confidential records accurately in paper and electronic systems and manage competing classroom needs.
• Maintain active supervision, apply positive child guidance, and respond promptly to safety concerns.
• Safely lift up to 40 pounds and work directly with children ages 2½ to 5.
• Work flexible daytime hours and occasional evenings and Saturdays as needed.