About the Role:
The Lead Teacher creates a warm, structured, and engaging classroom where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. This role leads daily instruction, supports child development, and builds strong relationships with families while guiding assistant teachers in a collaborative classroom environment.
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum & Instruction:
- Plan and implement weekly and monthly developmentally appropriate lesson plans
- Support learning in literacy, math, science, arts, and social-emotional development
- Observe children and maintain developmental portfolios
- Adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs
- Provide play-based, hands-on, and language-rich learning experiences
- Model effective teaching strategies for assistant teachers
Classroom Leadership:
- Maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing classroom environment
- Manage daily routines, transitions, and classroom flow
- Support onboarding and guidance of assistant teachers
- Maintain classroom organization, supplies, and documentation
- Foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture
Family Engagement:
- Serve as the primary classroom contact for families
- Provide regular updates on child development and progress
- Conduct parent conferences and check-ins
- Maintain professional, clear, and respectful communication
- Build strong, trusting partnerships with families
Safety & Compliance:
- Follow all Title 22 licensing, safety, and supervision requirements
- Maintain required documentation (attendance, incident reports, logs)
- Ensure classroom cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards
- Support emergency drills and safety procedures
- Follow mandated reporting requirements when needed
Qualifications:
- 24 ECE units required (Infant/Toddler units if applicable)
- 2+ years of classroom teaching experience
- California Child Development Teacher Permit preferred
- Strong understanding of child development and curriculum planning
- Knowledge of Title 22 licensing requirements
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- CPR/First Aid certified or willing to obtain
What We Offer
- 50% employer-paid medical insurance
- Childcare tuition discount
- Paid professional development and training
- Up to $10,000/year ELFA stipend eligibility
- 3 weeks paid vacation (eligible roles)
- Paid holidays (13+ per year)
- Sign-on bonus offered at 90-day and 6-month milestones
- Career growth and advancement opportunities
To Apply:
Submit your resume or a brief message sharing your experience in early childhood education and interest in the Director role. You may also send your application directly to careers@meaningfulbeginnings.org.
Work schedule
- Monday to Friday