Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher – Preschool
Peoples Church Preschool | East Lansing, Michigan
Full-time | Year-round
Peoples Church Preschool is seeking a dedicated and nurturing Lead Teacher to join our early childhood education team. This position plays a key role in creating a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment where young children can learn, explore, and thrive.
The Lead Teacher is responsible for classroom management, curriculum planning and facilitation, child observation and assessment, and building strong partnerships with families. This position reports to the Preschool Director.
Schedule
This is a full-time, year-round position. Regular hours fall between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with schedules varying based on classroom needs.
Key Responsibilities
Classroom Leadership
- Plan and implement meaningful, developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with preschool standards and program goals
- Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment
- Ensure materials and learning centers are organized, developmentally appropriate, and regularly rotated
Child Development & Assessment
- Observe, screen, and assess children’s development and learning
- Document progress and maintain accurate records
- Adapt curriculum and classroom activities to meet the individual needs of children
Family Communication & Partnership
- Develop strong relationships with children and their families
- Conduct family conferences twice each year
- Maintain ongoing communication regarding children’s development and classroom activities
Team Leadership
- Serve as the primary caregiver for an identified group of children
- Coach and mentor classroom support staff
- Facilitate monthly team meetings and ensure staff follow program policies and procedures
- Collaborate with program leadership to address classroom needs and problem solve
Program Participation
- Participate in professional development opportunities
- Attend family events and community-building activities
- Maintain classroom documentation and portfolio materials for ongoing accreditation
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for a Teacher as outlined by
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs child care licensing rules.
Preferred Experience
Experience in a high-quality early childhood education setting is preferred. Familiarity with the following is beneficial:
- Creative Curriculum
- Teaching Strategies Gold
- Tadpoles
- National Association for the Education of Young Children standards and accreditation processes
- Michigan child care licensing requirements
- Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods
- Ability to supervise children visually and audibly at all times
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors year-round
Working Environment
Teachers work in a collaborative early childhood setting that includes classroom instruction, outdoor play environments, and occasional administrative tasks such as documentation and lesson planning.
Benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Employee discount
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Flexible schedule
Why Join Peoples Church Preschool?
- Supportive and collaborative teaching environment
- Strong family and community partnerships
- Commitment to high-quality early childhood education
- Opportunities for professional growth and development