Preschool Lead Teacher

Miami Valley Child Development Centers, Inc.; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Student Loan Forgiveness

Paid holidays

Job summary

Miami Valley Child Development Centers, Inc. is searching for a Head Start Lead Teacher responsible for the planning and supervision of an educational program for children ages 3-5 years. This role includes developing lesson plans, conducting assessments, and leading classroom staff while fostering a positive learning environment. Ideal candidates will hold an Associate’s Degree and have teaching experience with preschool-aged children. Benefits include Student Loan Forgiveness and paid holidays, making this a great opportunity for those passionate about early childhood education.

Qualifications

• 2 years of teaching experience working with Head Start or Pre‑K children (required).
• Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start program standards.
• Valid Driver’s License and/or access to transportation to other centers as needed.
• Ability to maintain compliance with ODJFS, USDA, Health, and Sanitation regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
• Conduct child assessments and maintain accurate records.
• Supervise and support classroom staff and volunteers.
• Build positive relationships with families.
• Maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards.

Skills

Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children aged 3-5 years

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Organized, detail-oriented, problem-solving skills

Collaborative, team-oriented work ethic

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Associate’s Degree (required)

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Job description

Summary

The Head Start Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, implementation, and supervision of a developmentally appropriate, child-centered educational program for children ages 3-5 years in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and MVCDC policies. The Lead Teacher ensures a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This role includes leading classroom staff and working closely with families to support the child’s overall growth.

Duties

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
• Differentiate instruction to meet individual child needs.
• Maintain an organized, inclusive classroom environment.
• Conduct child assessments and maintain accurate records.
• Support developmental screenings, referrals, and IEP processes.
• Supervise and support classroom staff and volunteers.
• Use positive guidance and behavior management strategies.
• Ensure smooth daily routines and transitions.
• Build positive relationships with families.
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences.
• Collaborate with staff to support family needs and resources.
• Maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Ensure active supervision and safe learning environments.
• Attend required trainings and professional development.
• Maintain compliance with program policies and regulations.
• Participate in meetings, supervision, and quality improvement activities.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree (required), Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
• 2 years of teaching experience working with Head Start or Pre‑K children (required)
• Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start program standards
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children aged 3-5 years
• Valid Driver’s License and/or access to transportation to other centers as needed
• Ability to meet and maintain compliance with ODJFS, USDA, Health, and Sanitation regulations

Nice To Haves

• 1 year of leadership experience (preferred)
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse families
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages) is a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, with problem solving and good decision‑making skills
• Collaborative, team-oriented with positive and dedicated work ethic to children and families
• Willingness to continue professional education and learning
• Demonstrated knowledge of child and family curriculum, Conscious Discipline principles, and Head Start practices

Benefits

Student Loan Forgiveness and paid holidays

Miami Valley Child Development Centers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.