Shining Stars Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher - Shining Stars

Classroom: Shining Stars, Ages 3-4 / Preschool

Classification: Lead Teacher

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday

Typical Shift: Approximately 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, subject to center staffing needs

The Shining Stars Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, loving, structured, and engaging preschool classroom for children approximately 3-4 years of age.

This position is ideal for someone who genuinely enjoys teaching and understands that preschool should be more than supervision. The Lead Teacher should be able to create a classroom where children are actively learning, developing independence, building friendships, practicing self-regulation, and preparing for the next stage of their education.

As a faith-based learning center, Little Lights seeks teachers who will model Christ-like character and help create an environment where children are known, loved, encouraged, and taught with purpose.

• Take ownership of the daily operation of the Shining Stars classroom.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Establish consistent routines, expectations, and transitions.
• Create a warm, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Use positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior-management strategies.
• Promote independence, responsibility, kindness, and cooperation.
• Work collaboratively with assistants and floaters assigned to the classroom.
• Communicate classroom needs and concerns to the Director or Assistant Director.

• Implement the center's approved preschool curriculum and lesson plans.
• Provide intentional learning experiences throughout the day.
• Prepare age-appropriate activities that support:
• Early literacy and language development
• Pre-writing and fine-motor skills
• Early math concepts
• Science and discovery
• Creative arts
• Music and movement
• Social-emotional development
• Problem-solving
• Independence and self-help skills
• Incorporate the Christian mission and approved faith-based curriculum of Little Lights.
• Create opportunities for both teacher-led instruction and purposeful play.
• Prepare classroom materials and learning centers as needed.
• Observe children's development and adjust instruction when appropriate.
• Provide feedback regarding curriculum needs and classroom progress.

The Shining Stars classroom should intentionally prepare children for their next educational stage.

The Lead Teacher will help children develop skills such as:

• Following multi-step directions.
• Participating appropriately in group activities.
• Taking turns and sharing.
• Communicating needs using appropriate language.
• Developing early literacy and number awareness.
• Strengthening pencil grip, cutting, coloring, and other fine-motor skills.
• Cleaning up after activities.
• Managing personal belongings.
• Increasing independence with bathroom routines and self-care.
• Developing confidence and age-appropriate problem-solving skills.

Academic expectations should remain developmentally appropriate and should not replace hands-on learning and play.

• Help children learn appropriate ways to express emotions.
• Teach and model conflict-resolution skills.
• Encourage children to use words rather than aggressive behavior.
• Reinforce kindness, respect, patience, and cooperation.
• Redirect inappropriate behavior calmly and consistently.
• Maintain clear boundaries while treating children with dignity.
• Communicate recurring behavioral concerns to center leadership and families when appropriate.

• Maintain continuous awareness of children's location and activities.
• Follow all center health, safety, sanitation, and emergency procedures.
• Monitor bathroom routines and provide assistance when developmentally necessary.
• Follow proper handwashing and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom.
• Complete incident documentation accurately and promptly.
• Immediately report injuries, suspected abuse or neglect, safety hazards, or significant concerns according to center policy.
• Follow center procedures regarding allergies, meals, pickup, outdoor play, and child supervision.

• Greet families professionally and warmly.
• Communicate relevant information about children's days and progress.
• Share classroom accomplishments and concerns appropriately.
• Build positive relationships with families.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Refer significant parent complaints, conflicts, or sensitive issues to center leadership.

• Arrive on time and maintain dependable attendance.
• Maintain professional communication with coworkers and leadership.
• Participate in staff meetings and required training.
• Complete and maintain required childcare credentials.
• Follow Little Lights policies and procedures.
• Accept coaching and participate in performance evaluations.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Demonstrate flexibility and teamwork when center needs…