Preschool Lead Teacher

Precious Cargo Preschool & Childcare; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Employee discounts

Opportunity for advancement

Job summary

Precious Cargo Preschool & Childcare in Salem, Oregon, seeks a Lead Preschool Teacher to deliver a developmentally appropriate early childhood program and lead a nurturing, inclusive classroom. You will plan engaging, culturally responsive lessons that support social, emotional, and academic growth for all students.

You will build strong relationships with families, provide regular progress updates, and collaborate with team members, specialists, and support staff to meet program goals while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Experience as a lead teacher or similar role.
• Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum planning.

Responsibilities

• Implement Creative Curriculum: plan and deliver developmentally appropriate, inclusive lessons.
• Balance learning approaches with adult-directed and child-initiated activities.
• Conduct observations and assessments using TSGold.
• Maintain daily observations in TSGold and keep schedules updated.
• Collaborate with specialists and families to support learning.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Classroom management

Professionalism

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

CPR & First Aid Certification

Oregon Step Registry training

Food Handler’s Card

Tools

Creative Curriculum

TSGold

Job description

Benefits

• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Position Summary

The Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for delivering a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education program. This role involves planning and implementing engaging, culturally responsive learning experiences that support the social, emotional, and academic growth of all students.

The Lead Teacher will cultivate a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. They will establish strong relationships with families, providing regular updates on student progress and encouraging family involvement in the educational process.

Collaboration with team members, specialists, and support staff is essential to meet program goals and monitor student development. The Lead Teacher will maintain accurate records, assess student progress, and continually enhance program quality through professional growth and reflective practice.

This position requires leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every child can succeed.

Primary Responsibilities

Educational Programming and Curriculum Implementation

• Implement Creative Curriculum: Plan and deliver engaging lessons with ambitious instruction that are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
• Balance Learning Approaches: Incorporate both adult-directed and child-initiated activities to support learning and development.
• Conduct Observations and Assessments: Use TSGold (Teaching Strategies Gold) for observations and assessments, meeting quarterly deadlines as required by preschool promise.
• Daily Documentation: Ensure daily observations are entered into TSGold without exception. This is a mandatory and non-negotiable expectation of the position.
• Create Intentional Learning Environments: Plan environments that encourage hands‑on learning and inquiry‑based instruction.
• Address Developmental Domains: Develop and implement activities that address all developmental domains, including cognitive, social‑emotional, language, literacy, and physical development.
• Design Inclusive Experiences: Design learning experiences that incorporate diversity, cultural relevance, and inclusivity to meet the needs of all students.
• Individualized Learning Plans: Incorporate individualized learning plans to address the unique strengths and challenges of each student, including children with disabilities and dual language learners.
• Maintain Classroom Schedules: Display and maintain an updated interactive classroom schedule that balances structured and unstructured activities, indoor and outdoor play, and rest periods.

Classroom Environment and Behavior Management

• Participate in Classroom Observations: Demonstrate competence and understanding of CLASS & ECERS evaluations 1-2 times per year to assess classroom climate, teacher‑student interactions, and overall learning environment. Use feedback from these observations to refine instructional practices and improve student engagement.
• Establish Routines and Expectations: Develop routines, transitions, and behavioral expectations to promote a safe, respectful, and engaging environment.
• Promote Positive Behaviors: Reinforce positive behaviors, model emotional regulation, and implement proactive strategies to address challenging behaviors.
• Provide Individualized Support: Offer accommodations and individualized support for Dual Language Learners (DLLs) and children with special needs.
• Maintain Classroom Organization: Ensure classrooms are organized, clean, and stocked with developmentally appropriate materials.
• Model Social‑Emotional Learning: Demonstrate appropriate language and interactions to support social‑emotional development.
• Set Clear Expectations: Develop and communicate clear expectations for behavior and classroom rules, using visuals and cues to support understanding.
• Implement Classroom Management Strategies: Apply strategies that focus on building relationships, conflict resolution, and promoting cooperation.

Developmental Screening and Assessments

• Conduct Developmental Screenings: Perform developmental screenings within 45 days of enrollment to identify concerns.
• Perform Formative Assessments: Complete formative assessments at least three times per year and use data to plan individualized and group activities.
• Maintain Developmental Portfolios: Update developmental portfolios regularly with work samples, observations, and documentation.
• Utilize Assessment Results: Use assessment results to track progress and guide instruction effectively.
• Share Data with Families: Present assessment data to families during three required Parent‑Teacher Conferences annually.
• Document Progress: Collect and organize anecdotal notes, photos, and examples of student work to document progress and inform planning.
• Collaborate with Specialists: Work with specialists and service providers to address developmental concerns, ensuring proper interventions and supports are implemented.

Family Engagement and Communication

• Build Relationships with Families: Establish relationships with families through consistent, two‑way communication.
• Conduct Family Orientations: Hold orientation sessions for new families prior to beginning preschool.
• Ensure Attendance Accountability: Provide daily outreach to parents of absent children to ensure attendance accountability.
• Engage Families in Learning: Plan and implement activities that involve parents in the learning process, including family nights and volunteer opportunities.
• Incorporate Family Input: Respect family input and cultural practices, incorporating them into classroom activities when appropriate.
• Provide Regular Updates: Deliver regular updates on classroom activities, student progress, and areas for improvement through newsletters, emails, and phone calls.

Compliance with Preschool Promise Requirements

• Adhere to PSP Requirements: Follow PSP‑specific requirements without deviation, ensuring all curriculum‑related tasks, assessments, and observations are completed.
• Support CLASS Observations: Maintain a positive learning climate and participate in CLASS observations as required.
• Collaborate for Program Improvement: Work with instructional leaders and specialists to meet PSP standards and enhance program quality.
• Maintain Attendance Records: Keep accurate attendance records. Submit monthly attendance reports by the 3rd of each month and upload data into Discord for management review.
• Incorporate IFSP Goals: Work closely with Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) providers and integrate IFSP goals into lessons as needed.
• Document Family Interactions: Record all family interactions regarding attendance, assessments, and conferences.
• Ensure Compliance: Submit compliance paperwork and documentation on time to maintain program accountability.

Professional Development and Continuous Improvement

• Complete Professional Learning: Complete 20 hours of verifiable professional development annually, including required workshops and coaching.
• Develop and Implement CQI Plans: Use data to create and execute Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plans.
• Participate in Evaluations and Observations: Engage in classroom instructional evaluations and observations, including unannounced site visits.
• Collaborate for Improvement: Work with peers, coaches, and management to review and improve teaching practices.
• Attend Meetings and Workshops: Participate in staff meetings, workshops, and coaching sessions to stay updated on best practices and compliance requirements.
• Reflect and Enhance Practices: Use feedback from observations and evaluations to refine teaching strategies and classroom practices.

Qualifications

• o Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related teaching field
• o Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• o Completion of Oregon Step Registry training and ORO enrollment at a step 8 or higher.
• o CPR and First Aid Certification.
• o Food Handler’s Card.
• o Proven experience as a lead teacher or similar role.
• o Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum planning.
• o Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• o Ability to work collaboratively as a team member.

Preferred

• o Experience with Creative Curriculum and TSGold preferred.
• o 2+ years of experience in an early childhood setting, demonstrating expertise in managing childcare programs and fostering child development.
• o Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Effect on End Result

• Program Quality: Consistently delivers high‑quality education aligned with standards.
• Child Development: Supports children in reaching milestones and promotes school readiness.
• Parent Satisfaction: Ensures parents feel confident and satisfied with their child’s care.

Compliance: Maintains adherence to all DELC regulations and licensing require

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person