Position Title: Lead Teacher
Reports to: Assistant Center Director / Center Director
Classification: Full-Time / Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Job Summary
The Lead Teacher at the Center for Thriving Children at Brookridge is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early learning program that supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of young children. The Lead Teacher serves as the primary classroom leader, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment while fostering strong relationships with children, families, colleagues, and intergenerational partners.
Minimum Qualifications & Licensure Requirements
· Must be at least 18 years old.
· Must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
· Must have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) or an approved equivalency.
· Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 90 days of employment.
· Must submit an Education & Equivalency (E&E) form and provide official transcripts or credential documentation.
· Must satisfy all personnel requirements under NC childcare licensing: background checks, immunizations, health screening, etc
· Must complete and maintain a staff health assessment and TB screening in accordance with NC Child Care Licensing requirements
· Must complete all required pre-service and annual in-service training hours mandated by NC DCDEE, including but not limited to ITS-SIDS, playground safety, emergency preparedness, and other required topics
· Must meet all NC Child Care Licensing personnel requirements, including background checks, immunizations, and ongoing compliance standards
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
1. Curriculum & Instruction
o Plan, design, and implement age-appropriate, developmentally responsive lessons and activities aligned with the Creative Curriculum and state regulations.
o Observe, document, and assess each child’s growth, development, and learning; use assessments to guide individual and group instruction.
o Adjust curriculum and environment based on observations and assessments.
o Prepare necessary materials, learning centers, and classroom environment conducive to learning and exploration.
o Maintain class schedules, transitions, and routines that support children’s needs (large group, small group, individual, rest, meals).
o Ensure all health, safety, and sanitation practices are followed (e.g. hand washing, diapering, cleaning, supervision) per state licensing rules.
o Ensure all licensing, safety, and quality regulations are met.
o Supervise, mentor, and coach assistant teachers, aides, volunteers, or student interns.
o Manage classroom records: attendance, incident reports, child portfolios, parent communications, daily logs, etc.
2. Family Communication & Engagement
o Establish and maintain respectful, responsive partnerships with families.
o Conduct parent conferences, share observations, and collaborate on goals for each child.
o Provide regular communication (e.g., newsletters, reports, apps) to families about classroom plans, children’s progress, and events.
o Invite and support family involvement and participation in the classroom or center.
3. Professional Responsibilities
o Stay current on early childhood best practices, research, and state requirements.
o Participate in required professional development and training, including those mandated by DCDEE or grant programs.
o Comply with center policies, staff meetings, curriculum planning sessions, and administrative directives.
o Ensure confidentiality of children, families, and staff records.
o Assist in program evaluation, improvement, and contribution of ideas for enhancements.
o Serve as a role model for professional conduct, ethical behavior, and positive relationships among colleagues.
4. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
o Maintain compliance with all NC childcare licensing rules (10A NCAC 09), including staff-child ratios, lead teacher presence requirements, group size limits, etc.
o Ensure that a lead teacher is present with each group for at least two-thirds of daily operating hours (i.e. present for minimum required hours per group)
o Collaborate with Director in licensing inspections, audits, and accreditation processes.
o Complete all required documentation, reports, and record-keeping in a timely manner.
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Employment Conditions
Employment in this position is contingent upon maintaining all required credentials, certifications, trainings, and clearances in accordance with NC Child Care Licensing rules and Imprints Cares policies. Failure to maintain required qualifications may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.
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Physical & Work Environment Requirements
· Must be able to lift, carry, and move up to 30–50 lbs. (e.g. lifting a child)
· Ability to sit, kneel, bend, climb, or reach as needed to interact with children
· Maintain vigilance to ensure child safety indoors and outdoors
· Work in a classroom environment (including noise, close quarters, etc.)
· Occasional demands outside regular hours for parent meetings or events.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
The Center for Thriving Children at Brookridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
