Preschool Lead Teacher

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning; Elizabethtown (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning in Elizabethtown, PA seeks a Preschool Lead Teacher to plan and lead the daily education program for children, engage families, and model best practices in early childhood learning. The role emphasizes developing a nurturing classroom and implementing CHS curriculum and assessment processes in collaboration with coaches and teachers.

Starting in early 2027, the position offers a structured onboarding program, with a salary range of $53,565 to $59,516

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education (Bachelor's Degree Preferred).
• List C certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway (preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience with NAEYC standards preferred.
• Familiar with PBIS strategies and inquiry-based learning.
• Comfortable with MS Office Suite and learning new tools.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and implementing classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines/schedules.
• Enhancing social, emotional, and cognitive development through age-specific activities.
• Supervising and providing a safe, nurturing environment for children.
• Including children and families in development of classroom experiences and preparing materials promptly.
• Supporting children's self-help skills and development.
• Maintaining general classroom management, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance.
• Caring for safety and hygiene of children.
• Maintaining daily communication with families using multiple channels.
• Meeting families during conferences and as necessary.
• Maintaining developmental profiles for children.
• Collaborating with Associates and Assistants as classroom leaders.
• Developing a coaching plan with Curriculum & Instruction Coaches for professional development.
• Remaining compliant with state licensing requirements.
• Completing program documentation and reports accurately and timely.
• Acting as a role model for child development.
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding program, staff, and families.

Skills

Family engagement

Leadership in classroom

Interpersonal skills

Technology literacy

Communication with parents

Adaptability

Education

Associate's Degree in ECE

List C PA ECE Certification

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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Preschool Lead Teacher

CHS Elizabethtown - Elizabethtown, PA

Full-Time

The Lead Teacher at CHS is an individual passionate about education, and excited about working with children to further their educational and emotional growth. The Lead Teacher enjoys being in the classroom and creating a love of learning. This individual is responsible for implementing and supporting the early childhood classroom curriculum and assessment process, involving families in classroom experiences, and cultivating a classroom environment that represents each child's family culture. This individual is responsible for directing and leading in planning and implementing the daily education program for children. The Lead Teacher reports to the Assistant Director and gives them information should a risk or issue arise. The salary range for this position is $53,565 to $59,516 based on expertise.

Candidate review and selection is currently underway for this position. The anticipated start date for the position is 01/05/2027.

As part of their employment, successful candidates will participate in Seeds to Lead, CHS's six-month pre-opening professional learning program. This structured onboarding and paid professional experience equips educators with the knowledge, skills, and hands‑on practice needed to confidently implement the CHS model to fidelity from day one when the center opens.

The center is expected to begin operations in the Summer of 2027.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and implementing classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines/schedules
• Enhancing social, emotional, and cognitive development through age‑specific manipulatives, activities, and language experiences for children
• Supervising and providing a safe, nurturing environment for children
• Including children and families in the development of classroom experiences, rotate materials, and prepare instructional resources/materials for classroom activities in a timely manner
• Supporting children's self‑help skills and development
• Ensuring general classroom management, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance
• Caring for safety and hygiene of children
• Maintaining daily communication with families using multiple channels of communication
• Meeting and communicating with families during designated conference times and as necessary
• Maintaining developmental profiles for children
• Collaborating and engaging in a teaming environment with Associate Teachers and Assistant Teachers serving as the leader of the classroom team
• In collaboration with the Curriculum & Instruction Coaches, developing a coaching plan to inform professional development and learning
• Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements as they pertain to health, safety, and professional requirements
• Ensuring all required program documentation and reports are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner
• Acting as a role model for child development
• Maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to program, staff, and families

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education (Bachelor's Degree Preferred)
• List C certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway (preferred)
• 3+ years of experience in a similar role
• Experience and knowledge in Early Childhood Education program and teaching standards, including code of ethics - NAEYC standards preferred
• Familiar with inquiry‑based and project approach learning, as well as PBIS strategies preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low‑income families preferred
• Comfortability with technology including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and /or willingness to learn
• Excels at engaging with parents/caregivers, including initiating discussions when necessary+
• Responsible, enthusiastic, and cares about working in a mission‑focused organization
• Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, and educate teams
• Ability to physically interact with children (e.g., talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, etc.) and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities
• Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutionsCommitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for students
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre‑employment background checks and clearances

Who We Are And What We’re Looking For

At CHS, we are leaders passionate about early childhood education and community betterment. Our work is driven by the desire to endow children with the resources for educational and physical well‑being, while supporting and empowering their families. We listen to the needs of our diverse community and adapt to give everyone a voice. We hold each‑other accountable for bringing our best and most authentic selves to school every day, creating an environment of mutual respect.

We strive to build a team of individuals that is passionate about our mission, brings in new creative ideas, and loves their work. If this sounds like you, we look forward to seeing your application.