Preschool Lead Teacher

Preschool Lead Teacher – Saint Louis, MO (Full Time)

Preschool Lead Teacher – Position Overview The Preschool Lead Teacher at Little Precious Angels Childcare is responsible for leading the daily operations, instruction, and classroom management of a preschool classroom serving children ages 3–5. This role ensures a safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate learning environment while maintaining full compliance with Missouri DESE licensing regulations and accreditation standards. The Preschool Lead Teacher plans and implements curriculum, establishes consistent routines, supervises children at all times, and provides leadership and guidance to assistant teachers.

They serve as a role model for professionalism, accountability, and best practices in early childhood education, while fostering positive relationships with children, families, and staff. This position requires strong classroom leadership, effective communication, and the ability to maintain structure, safety, and consistency. The Preschool Lead Teacher works collaboratively with administration and unit leadership to support program goals, documentation requirements, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in early childhood education setting
• Experience working with preschool-aged children (ages 3–5)
• Previous lead or supervisory classroom experience preferred

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential – Required
  • Preschool CDA preferred
• High School Diploma or GED (minimum)
• Missouri Professional Development (MOPD) account
• CPR & First Aid Certification (Infant, Toddler, and Adult)
• Completion of all Missouri DESE-required trainings
  , including but not limited to:
  • Child Abuse & Neglect
  • Safe Sleep (as applicable)
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Caring for Vulnerable Children
• Must successfully complete:
  • Comprehensive background screening
  • Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR)
  • Fingerprinting (as required by Missouri)

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with program goals
• Establish and maintain consistent daily routines and classroom structure
• Lead learning activities that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development
• Ensure active supervision and positive guidance at all times
• Direct and support Assistant Teachers and classroom staff
• Assign daily responsibilities and ensure classroom duties are completed
• Model professionalism, accountability, and best practices
• Provide guidance, feedback, and support to classroom staff

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation policies
• Follow emergency procedures and report concerns immediately
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios at all times

• Complete lesson plans, attendance, assessments, and required documentation
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff
• Support conferences, meetings, and program communication efforts

• Maintain classroom practices aligned with Missouri Accreditation Standards
• Participate in observations, audits, and professional development
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives
• Ensure curriculum, documentation, and classroom environment meet accreditation benchmarks

The Lead Preschool Teacher must demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Patience, consistency, and emotional maturity
• Clear communication and professionalism
• Dependability, accountability, and punctuality
• Ability to manage a classroom independently
• Commitment to child-centered, developmentally appropriate practices

• Ability to stand, bend, sit on the floor, and move throughout the day
• Ability to lift and assist children as needed
• Maintain constant supervision and engagement

Little Precious Angels Childcare is committed to providing a high-quality, safe, and nurturing learning environment. The Lead Preschool Teacher plays a key role in upholding program standards, supporting staff, and fostering positive outcomes for children and families.