Lead Teacher

Make a Difference Every Day
Do you have a passion for early childhood education and a heart for helping young children learn, grow, and succeed? Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can make a lasting impact on children and families in your community?
Join our Head Start team and become a leader in the classroom, helping children build strong foundations for lifelong learning. As a Lead Teacher, you will create engaging learning experiences, support classroom staff, and partner with families to promote each child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.
Why You'll Love Working Here
Competitive Pay
$19.62/hour with Early Childhood Education Associate Degree
$21.58/hour with Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree
Outstanding Work-Life Balance
Full-time schedule: 40 hours per week, 38 weeks per year
No evenings, weekends, or overtime required
Paid winter/holiday break
Exceptional Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
FREE life insurance
401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
14 paid holidays annually
Paid inclement weather days
Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Career growth and advancement opportunities
What You'll Do
As a Lead Teacher, you'll serve as the instructional leader in the classroom by:
Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with Head Start Performance Standards
Creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for young children
Supervising and mentoring classroom staff and volunteers
Supporting children's growth in social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
Building positive relationships with families to support engagement and learning
Conducting two home visits per child per year
Incorporating health, nutrition, and self-care routines into daily classroom activities
Maintaining accurate documentation, assessments, and required reporting
Collaborating with families, staff, and community partners to support child and family outcomes
Participating in ongoing professional development and training opportunities
Following all mandated reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect
Maintaining confidentiality in all program-related matters
What We're Looking For
Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required (per Head Start Act requirements)
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred
1–3 years of experience working with young children preferred
Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, including CPR and First Aid
Successful completion of Reliability Certification within 3 months of hire
Strong communication and classroom management skills
Ability to create lesson plans and deliver engaging instruction
Computer proficiency, including word processing and data entry
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for trainings and home visits
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively as part of a team
The above description is not a comprehensive listing of all job specific responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
Search current openings and apply online at douglassonline.org
Douglass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and Drug-Free Workplace.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No