Lead Educator Lake Forest Preschool Programs; Seaford

Position: Lead Educator for Lake Forest Preschool Programs (Located in Seaford)
Location: Felton

Position Type:
Early Childhood Education/Pre-School Special Education

Date Posted:
4/27/2026

Location:
Delaware Early Childhood Center

Date Available:
Mutually Agreeable

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
TITLE: Lead Educator for Lake Forest Preschool Programs (Located in Seaford)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field, or associate's degree with 16 college credits in early childhood education, or must have completed at least 60 college credit hours in education or related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Minimum 2 years of experience in a preschool setting.

Bilingual preferred.

Effective communication and interpersonal relational skills, including awareness and inclusion of culturally and socio-economically diverse populations.

Competent in Microsoft Office and lesson planning and objective documentation systems, specifically Teaching Strategies GOLD and Creative Curriculum.

Knowledge of early child development and developmentally appropriate practice, and social-emotional skills implemented through positive interactions with students.

REPORTS TO: Program Manager for Preschool Programs
LOCATION: Sites in Kent and Sussex counties of Delaware, specific location to be determined by Program Manager.

JOB GOALS: The Lead Educator facilitates a classroom for preschool aged children that engages them in learning through play and is designed to fit each child's individual interests and abilities. The Lead Educator works collaboratively as a member of the Preschool Programs' team to implement high quality and holistic early education programming, completes documentation including lesson planning, observations, assessments, and screenings of enrolled children, and utilizes evidence-based curriculum to provide developmentally appropriate, individualized prekindergarten education.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Implement evidence-based curriculum with fidelity, including creating weekly lesson plans aligned with program mission and standards, analysis of classroom assessments and data, and individual children's interests and strengths.

Complete documentation around observations, assessments, and screenings; design and maintain diverse and inclusive learning environments that promote play and socialization; interact positively with children; establish and sustain classroom routines, and more.

Responsible for the facilitation of the classroom routine to meet the children's daily needs, personal care routines, meal times, learning activities, arrival and dismissal, and active supervision during indoor and outdoor play.

Promotes Lake Forest Preschool Programs' principles and practices including but not limited to:

• Healthy social and emotional development of children
• Respect of diversity and intentional inclusion of the cultural and socio-economic differences within program, families, and communities
• Ongoing assessment of individual children
• Compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements
  
  5. Maintains regular, open, respectful, and professional communication with children, their families, and all members of the Preschool Programs' team with sensitivity to the culture, traditions, lifestyles, language, and values of each individual, family, and community.
  
  6.Conducts two home visits and two family conferences for each enrolled child per program year.
  
  7. Participates in the development and implementation of a Professional Development Plan to maintain required certifications and enhance professional growth. Participate in training, workshops, and conferences as required by Department of Education as well as individual coaching sessions with Education Coordinator or Program Manager.
  
  8. Adheres to all Lake Forest School District and Delaware Early Childhood Center personnel policies and maintains professional boundaries and confidentiality.
  
  9. Other Duties as assigned by Program Manager and Grantee.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Additional training in procedures and programs relating to the position's specific requirements.

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: The Lead Educator position is a part-time, salaried position and shall be employed 188 days per year (10 months).

EVALUATION: The Lead Educator for DECC Preschool Programs shall be evaluated annually by the Program Manager for Preschool Programs, according to policies approved by the Lake Forest Board of Education.

The following are conditions of employment for new employees:

Satisfactory criminal background check prior to being placed on payroll.

Satisfactory child protection registry check.

Mandatory direct deposit of pay.

Documentation of Mantoux skin test results for entrance to school system.

Interested applicants must apply online and upload a letter of interest, resume, proof of certification, the most recent job evaluation, and three (3) letters of recommendation dated within the last year by the posted closing date. To be considered for this position, you must apply online at
Lake Forest is an advocate of inclusion practices in all grade levels.

LAKE…