Role Overview:
As a Lead Teacher, you create a calm, engaging, and relationship-centered classroom where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. Through responsive routines, intentional teaching, and steady leadership, you support children at each developmental stage while fostering confidence, curiosity, and independence. By building strong, trusting partnerships with families, you help create meaningful learning experiences and lasting school–family relationships.
Job Description:
The Lead Teacher serves as the primary instructional leader in the classroom and is responsible for creating a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. This role guides curriculum planning, ensures licensing and safety compliance, mentors assistant teachers, and fosters strong relationships with families. Lead Teachers model best practices in early childhood education and create a collaborative, supportive culture for both children and staff.
Curriculum & Instruction:
- Develop, oversee, and implement weekly and monthly lesson plans aligned with program goals and child development best practices.
- Ensure curriculum is developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and supports the whole child.
- Model effective teaching strategies and provide coaching and real-time support to assistant teachers.
- Conduct ongoing observations and maintain individual developmental portfolios for each child.
- Adapt teaching strategies and modify curriculum to support diverse learning styles and individual needs.
- Promote learning through play, exploration, sensory experiences, language-rich interactions, and hands-on materials.
Classroom Leadership:
- Maintain a warm, structured, and responsive classroom environment.
- Ensure routines and transitions run smoothly throughout the day.
- Assign classroom duties, support onboarding for new assistants, and guide daily responsibilities.
- Lead classroom team meetings to support collaboration, consistency, and instructional quality.
- Communicate classroom needs to leadership and help maintain supply inventory.
- Create a positive, organized, and inclusive classroom culture where staff and children feel supported.
Child Safety & Licensing Compliance:
- Maintain accurate records including attendance, incident reports, medication logs, and classroom documentation.
- Follow all Title 22 licensing requirements, safety procedures, supervision standards, and health protocols.
- Ensure sanitation, cleaning, and environmental safety guidelines are consistently met.
- Support emergency preparedness, including drills and safety planning.
- Report any suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporting laws.
Family Engagement:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding curriculum, development, and classroom updates.
- Conduct regular family conferences and developmental check-ins.
- Provide clear, professional, and confidential communication.
- Partner with families to support children’s needs and ensure consistency between home and school.
- Build trusting and collaborative relationships with parents and guardians.
Professionalism & Collaboration:
- Collaborate with leadership and teaching teams to support program-wide quality.
- Participate in ongoing professional development, trainings, and staff meetings.
- Promote a positive and respectful team environment.
- Uphold the mission, values, and culture of Meaningful Beginnings.
- Mentor classroom assistants and model best practices in early childhood education.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 24 ECE units, including Infant/Toddler coursework if applicable to the classroom age group.
- 2+ years of classroom teaching experience required.
- California Child Development Teacher Permit preferred.
- CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
- Strong understanding of early learning standards, developmentally appropriate practices, and curriculum planning.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Physical Requirements (ADA-Compliant):
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs occasionally.
- Frequent movement, bending, floor play, and transitions.
- Ability to navigate classrooms and playground environments safely.
- Reasonable accommodations available upon request.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees (35+ hrs/week):
- Comprehensive benefits package with 50% employer-paid medical insurance premiums.
- Professional development funding and advancement pathways.
- Eligibility for up to $10,000/year in stipends through ELFA.
- Childcare discount for employees.
To Apply:
Submit your resume or a brief message describing your interest in early childhood education and your availability. We look forward to supporting your growth at Meaningful Beginnings!
Work schedule
- Monday to Friday