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 is seeking a Lead Teacher to implement the classroom curriculum and lead the daily education program for young children. The role reports to the Assistant Director and requires active collaboration with teachers to create a nurturing, inclusive classroom environment.

Responsibilities include preparing lessons, engaging families, and ensuring health, safety, and licensing compliance while maintaining timely documentation.

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 and PBIS preferred
• Comfort with technology including MS Office Suite and willingness to learn

Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement classroom lesson plans linked to outcomes and schedules
• Enhance development through age-appropriate activities and language experiences
• Supervise and provide a safe, nurturing environment
• Involve families in classroom experiences and rotate materials as needed
• Collaborate with Curriculum & Instruction Coaches to develop coaching plans for PD
• Maintain compliance with state licensing requirements
• Complete program documentation and reports accurately and timely
• Serve as a role model for child development
• Maintain confidentiality of staff, families, and program details

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Classroom leadership

Family communication

Technology proficiency

Physical ability

Education

Associate's degree in ECE/related

Bachelor's degree preferred

PA ECE List C certification preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

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
• 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 solutions
• Commitment 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