Lead Teacher - Toddlers and Preschool

childdevelopmentschoolsexternal; North Carolina; On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short/long-term disability

401(k)

Paid time off

Holidays

Tuition discount

Tuition reimbursement

PerkSpot discounts

EAP

Professional development

Job summary

Child Development Schools in Wilmington, North Carolina, is seeking a Lead Teacher to guide toddlers and preschoolers through engaging, developmentally appropriate activities. You will plan lessons, maintain a safe classroom, document child progress, and communicate with families regularly.

As part of a collaborative teaching team, you will support licensing requirements, complete documentation, and participate in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Strong communication with families required.
• Ability to build relationships with parents and children.
• Commitment to child safety and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons for Toddler/Preschool.
• Keep classrooms safe, organized, and compliant with licensing/ratios.
• Observe and document child development; share progress with families.
• Build relationships with parents through daily communication and conferences.
• Complete attendance, incident reports, and assessments.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship building

Child safety awareness

Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Lead Teacher -- Wilmington, North Carolina

Your role

As a Lead Teacher at Child Development Schools, you will help create a classroom filled with discovery, creativity, learning, and joy. Each day, you will guide children through meaningful experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, kindness, and growth. From hands-on activities and storytelling to everyday learning moments, you will shape a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the world around them.

You will serve as a trusted partner to families, a positive role model for children, and an important part of our collaborative teaching team dedicated to making early childhood education engaging, nurturing, safe, and fun.

What your day looks like:

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons and activities for the Toddler or Preschool classrooms

• Keep the classroom safe, organized, and compliant with licensing and ratio requirements

• Observe and document each child's development and share progress with families regularly

• Build relationships with parents through daily communication and scheduled conferences

• Complete required documentation including attendance, incident reports, and assessments

Pay and benefits

Pay: 15-18 per hour, based on experience and education

Full-time employees receive:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability

• 401(k)

• 9 company-paid holidays and 8 days of PTO

• 50% tuition discount for your own children enrolled at a CDS center

• Up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for continued education

• Access to PerkSpot for discounts on major brands and services

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - offers professional and confidential services to help you and your loved ones quality of life.

• Coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development

Requirements

• At least 18 years old

• Degree in Early Childhood Education

• Ability to pass a background check

• Completion of 12 hours of childcare training within 30 days of hire (we will help you get there)

• Genuine care for children and a commitment to their safety and well-being

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with families

• Physical ability to meet the demands of working with young children

About Child Development Schools

Child Development Schools is a childcare and early education provider with 270+ centers across 11 states, serving over 30,000 children ages six weeks to twelve years. We are committed to providing high-quality developmental education and supporting the families and communities we serve.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. Child Development Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

A degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education and prior experience in a licensed childcare center are a plus, but not required. We hire for character and train for skill.

We value and welcome your application, regardless of whether you meet every listed qualification. Your unique skills and experiences matter to us. Even if this role isn't right for you, applying allows us to contact you for future opportunities.