Preschool & Pre-K Lead Teacher

Little Explorers Early Childhood Education & Care; Danvers (MA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Professional Development

PTO

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays

Work-Life Balance

Job summary

Little Explorers Early Childhood Education & Care is seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher to guide inquiry-based learning and support early childhood development in a nurturing classroom. You will design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in line with EEC standards and collaborate with families to document and communicate progress.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, teamwork, and ongoing professional development in a supportive center environment with opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• Must have EEC Lead Teacher Certification (Preschool).
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Background checks required by state and company.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Lead Teacher or ready to step into a lead role.
• Experience with inquiry-based, Reggio-inspired, or play-based learning.
• Effective communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• CPR/First Aid Certification.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs multiple times a day.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement inquiry-based STEAM rich learning experiences supporting literacy, math, science and creativity.
• Observe children and use documentation to guide curriculum planning and individualized learning.
• Maintain age-appropriate daily schedules aligned with EEC standards and program philosophy.
• Create a warm, organized classroom encouraging exploration, independence and collaboration.
• Use natural materials, open-ended questions, and learning centers.
• Maintain a safe, clean classroom in compliance with health/safety regulations.
• Support children’s social-emotional development with positive guidance strategies.
• Model professional communication and reflective teaching practices.
• Build strong partnerships with families through daily communication and conferences.
• Share learning progress with families in a professional manner.
• Supervise and mentor teachers in the classroom.
• Participate in staff meetings, PD and program events.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Leadership

Education

Associate/Bachelor in ECE

Job description

About Our Center

At Little Explorers Early Childhood Education & Care, our classrooms are communities of discovery. We are seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher who brings warmth, professionalism and a vision to a learning environment where children explore, question, create and grow through purposeful play and inquiry.The Preschool Lead Teacher plays a critical role in preparing children for Kindergarten while honoring curiosity, creativity and individual learning styles. Lead Teachers are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care regulations. Teachers plan experiences that support children’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development while maintaining compliance with health, safety and supervision requirements. Documentation, observation and family communication are integral components of the teaching role.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement inquiry-based STEAM rich learning experiences that support early literacy, math, science, problem solving and creative expression.
• Observe children closely and use documentation to guide curriculum planning and individualized learning.
• Maintain developmentally appropriate daily schedules and routines and ensure lesson plans align with EEC standards and the programs’ educational philosophy.
• Create a warm, organized and inviting classroom that encourages exploration, independence and collaboration.
• Use natural materials, open ended questions, and intentional learning centers.
• Maintain a safe, clean and managed classroom in compliance with EEC health and safety regulations.
• Support children’s social emotional development using positive guidance strategies.
• Model respectful communication and problem solving.
• Build trusting relationships that support each child’s sense of belonging and confidence.
• Establish strong partnerships with families through daily communication, conferences, and documentation.
• Share children’s learning progress and classroom experiences in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Supervise and mentor teachers in the classroom.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and reflective teaching practices.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and program events.

Requirements

• EEC Lead Teacher Certification (Preschool)
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (required)
• Must pass state and company required background checks.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Lead Teacher or strong teacher ready to step into a lead role.
• Experience with inquiry based, Reggio-inspired, or play based learning (required)
• Effective communication, organization, and leadership skills
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs multiple times a day.
• Must be able to stand, lift, sit, run and move around most of the day.

Benefits

• Supportive and positive work environment
• Paid Professional Development
• Collaborative leadership team
• Meaningful work making a difference in children's lives
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Work Life Balance
• Retirement Plan
• Generous PTO

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.EOE/AA/M/F/Vet/Disability