Preschool Lead Teacher

Cadence Education; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Pet insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Company-paid life insurance

Job summary

Cadence Education in Ridgefield, CT is seeking a passionate Preschool Lead Teacher. Under the direction of the School Director and Lead Teacher, you will support daily classroom operations, implement Cadence Education programs, and help create a safe, nurturing environment that supports children's physical, social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral needs.

The role requires CDA or an Associate/Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, state licensing qualifications, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• CDA or Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Must meet minimum experience and education requirements for the state of employment.
• Previous experience in an early childhood or group care setting.
• Must meet all state licensing qualifications for a Teacher in a licensed childcare center.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
• CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are satisfied.

Responsibilities

• Support a positive, inclusive classroom environment where children are treated with dignity, respect, and care.
• Greet children and families daily and help establish professional, welcoming relationships.
• Assist in recognizing and responding to individual developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including following IEPs and behavioral support plans as directed.
• Support the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and Cadence Signature Programs.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families, coworkers, and leadership using Cadence-approved tools and systems.
• Follow the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual, including documenting and reporting accidents and incidents according to policy.
• Assist in managing, documenting, and escalating child behaviors in alignment with Cadence policies and classroom expectations.
• Adhere to all Cadence Education policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development, which may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours.

Skills

Classroom management

Team collaboration

English communication

Safety procedures

Education

CDA or Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

We're looking for a passionate Preschool Lead Teacher to join our team! If you love working with young children and have experience in childcare, daycare, or early childhood education, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day. Join us and help spark curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Why Cadence Education? At Cadence, we're committed to shaping bright futures for children, families, and our teams. We offer a research-based curriculum in warm, home-like environments and foster a collaborative, supportive workplace where educators can grow and thrive.

About the Role Under the direction of the School Director and Lead Teacher, the Teacher supports daily classroom operations and the implementation of Cadence Education programs. This role helps create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports children's physical, social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral needs, including those with IEPs. Teachers play a key role in maintaining classroom routines, supporting curriculum delivery, and building positive relationships with children and families while ensuring safety and licensing compliance.

Why This Role is a Total Joy:

• Start TODAY: Step into the classroom and start inspiring now!
• Awesome Benefits (Full-Time Teachers):
• Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet-grab your earnings when you need them!
• Hourly pay rate based on level of education and experience: $18.75 - $24.38
• 50% childcare tuition discount-a sweet deal for your own little ones!
• 401(k) with employer match to secure your future.
• Stellar perks: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and even pet insurance!
• Paid time off that grows with seniority, paid holidays, and company-paid life insurance.
• Grow Your Way: Paid CDA, tuition reimbursement, and professional development to fuel your career.
• Live Happily: We've got your back with a supportive team and a culture that champions work-life balance.
• Join a Leader: With 340+ schools across 30 states and 30+ years of expertise, Cadence Education is the superstar of early childhood education!

What You'll Do

• Support a positive, inclusive classroom environment where children are treated with dignity, respect, and care.
• Greet children and families daily and help establish professional, welcoming relationships.
• Assist in recognizing and responding to individual developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including following IEPs and behavioral support plans as directed.
• Support the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and Cadence Signature Programs.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families, coworkers, and leadership using Cadence-approved tools and systems.
• Follow the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual, including documenting and reporting accidents and incidents according to policy.
• Assist in managing, documenting, and escalating child behaviors in alignment with Cadence policies and classroom expectations.
• Adhere to all Cadence Education policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development, which may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours.

What We're Looking For

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to consistently follow safety procedures, including Name-to-Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle-feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a classroom team.
• Ability to read, write, and speak effectively in English.

Education

• CDA or Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

Experience

• Must meet minimum experience and education requirements for the state of employment.
• Previous experience in an early childhood or group care setting.

Credentials & Licensing

• Must meet all state licensing qualifications for a Teacher in a licensed childcare center.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
• CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are satisfied.

Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully)

• Flexibility is essential. Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, or operational needs.
• Work schedules may vary and are not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts.
• Daily start and end times may vary and cannot be guaranteed.

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