Master Teacher

CHILDREN OF JOY LEARNING ACADEMY LLC; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Children of Joy Learning Academy LLC in Lawton, Oklahoma, is seeking a Department Lead to oversee an age-level team, ensure curriculum fidelity, and coach teachers toward quality care and learning outcomes. You will collaborate with leadership to maintain a nurturing classroom culture that aligns with regulatory standards.

You will partner with the Assistant Director and Program Director to uphold DHS and accreditation requirements, manage schedules, review records, and support ongoing staff

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of classroom experience in early childhood education.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Familiarity with FrogStreet curriculum and Oklahoma EL Guidelines.
• Completion or progress in required trainings (CPR, First Aid, ELCCT, Pyramid, ELG).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage assigned department with professionalism and accountability.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and support to staff.
• Ensure alignment with COJ mission, policies, curriculum goals, and teaching standards.
• Manage staff schedules and submit updated rosters weekly.
• Participate in interviews and provide feedback on hiring recommendations.
• Monitor classroom practices for compliance with DHS and APPLE Accreditation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Staff development

Education

Level 2 Oklahoma PDL

CDA / degree in ECE

Tools

FrogStreet curriculum

Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Lawton, OK 73505Position Type: Full TimeMission & Core Values

Mission & Core Values

Children of Joy Learning Academy is built on the values of Faith, Education, Service, and Community. The Department Lead plays a critical role in ensuring quality and excellence in every classroom. This role exists to provide oversight, leadership, and mentoring within a specific age-level department (Nursery, Toddler, Preschool, etc.), while ensuring fidelity to curriculum, compliance standards, and teacher support systems.

Job Summary

The Department Lead is responsible for quality control and assurance within their assigned department. This includes ensuring compliance with state and accreditation standards, coaching teachers, managing classroom schedules, supporting staff development, overseeing daily operations, and contributing to a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. Department Leads work closely with the Assistant and Program Directors to build high-performing teams and a consistent culture of excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Oversight

• Lead and manage assigned department (Infant, Toddler, Preschool, etc.) with professionalism, integrity, and accountability
• Provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and support to staff within the department
• Ensure alignment with COJ mission, policies, curriculum goals, and teaching standards
• Manage staff schedules and submit updated rosters to leadership weekly
• Participate in interviews for potential new hires in the department; provide feedback on hiring recommendations

Quality Assurance & Classroom Oversight

• Monitor classroom practices for compliance with DHS, APPLE Accreditation, and COJ policies
• Conduct regular walkthroughs to review curriculum implementation, transitions, classroom cleanliness, and child engagement
• Report compliance concerns or documentation gaps to the Assistant Director or Program Director
• Ensure that focus portfolios, lesson plans, and department records are reviewed, updated, and submitted on time
• Check for complete and accurate documentation, including: developmental checklists, temperature logs, infant meal sheets, supply lists, cleaning checklists, and lesson plans

Curriculum & Instructional Support

• Ensure implementation of the FrogStreet curriculum aligned with the Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines
• Offer feedback on lesson planning and classroom execution
• Support teachers in modifying lessons to meet children's individual needs and learning styles
• Monitor use of classroom materials and ensure intentional instruction

Communication & Family Relations

• Model and support positive communication between teachers and families
• Build strong relationships with parents and provide updates as needed
• Assist with department-level family engagement initiatives

Environment & Safety Compliance

• Maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Ensure classrooms are well-stocked and that staff submit weekly supply needs
• Oversee completion of daily and weekly cleaning tasks in assigned rooms
• Identify safety concerns and report facility needs promptly

Team Collaboration & Training

• Participate in monthly leadership meetings and department check-ins
• Support the Assistant Director in planning and delivering department-specific professional development
• Ensure team members complete required training (CPR, ELCCT, Pyramid, ELGs, etc.)
• Encourage growth and coaching through modeling best practices and peer feedback

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications

• Level 2 or higher on the Oklahoma PDL (Professional Development Ladder), or actively pursuing certification
• First Aid, CPR, ELCCT, Safe Sleep, Pyramid Model, ELG, and Focused Portfolio trainings completed or in progress
• Minimum 2 year of classroom experience in early childhood education
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CDA, Certificate of Mastery, or degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
• Prior supervisory or team lead experience
• Familiarity with FrogStreet curriculum and Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and actively engage with children
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, squatting, and kneeling
• Must be able to respond quickly to emergency situations and classroom needs

Training & Development

• Participate in leadership development sessions, department lead meetings, and training opportunities throughout the year
• Assist with onboarding and mentoring new teachers in the department

Performance Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated by the Assistant Director and Program Director on a quarterly and annual basis. Key metrics include classroom quality, compliance tracking, staff growth, and documentation accuracy.