Job Description: Lead Teacher / Teacher
Reports to: Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Purpose: The Lead Teacher / Teacher plays a vital role in providing high-quality early childhood education and care in alignment with Dixon Academy’s mission and philosophy. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating classroom programs that foster the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of every child. The Lead Teacher serves as a model of professionalism, leadership, and nurturing care for children, families, and colleagues.
Key Responsibilities:
Curriculum & Instruction
- Plan, supervise, and implement developmentally appropriate programs in accordance with Dixon Academy’s philosophy and standards.
- Design learning experiences that meet the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of each child and the classroom group.
- Adapt curriculum and activities to reflect individual learning styles, abilities, and interests, including accommodations for children with special needs or talents.
- Encourage active engagement by interacting with children throughout daily activities and routines.
- Treat all children with dignity and respect while supporting their self-esteem and independence.
- Prepare educational materials and daily lesson plans within Teaching Strategies, utilizing and incorporating the NC Foundation codes, in collaboration with the Assistant Teacher and/or classroom team.
- Host parent teacher conferences twice per year and meet with families to discuss their child’s developmental progress, areas of opportunity, and determine individualized goals.
- Complete the Informal Assessment screening for children ages 2.10-5 years of age, at a minimum of three times per academic year (upon initial enrollment, 2x’s - 2-weeks prior to the parent teacher conferences), this assessment can be completed more as assessment of each child’s progress is assessed.
- Complete ASQ-3 screening after 30-days of each child’s enrollment ages 0-2.9 years.
Classroom Environment:
- Maintain an orderly, safe, and engaging classroom environment conducive to exploration and growth.
- Ensure classroom equipment and materials are maintained in good condition and accessible to children.
- Supervise Assistant Teachers and other support staff in carrying out classroom activities and routines.
- Observe and record children’s progress, behavior, and developmental milestones electronically and/or manually.
Family & Community Engagement:
- Establish and maintain positive communication with families through daily interactions, written updates, and scheduled conferences.
- Partner with families to support each child’s growth and development goals.
- Plan and participate in parent involvement activities and family engagement events.
- Collaborate with colleagues and administrators to support a welcoming and inclusive school community.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and other required training.
- Uphold Dixon Academy’s policies, procedures, and commitment to excellence.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
- Communicate regularly with the Director regarding classroom operations, student needs, and progress.
Minimum Job Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, including a minimum of 12 semester hours in child development.
- North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCEC) or equivalent required.
- Minimum of two years of verifiable experience in an early childhood education or child development program.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Ability to lead and collaborate effectively with staff of diverse educational and experiential backgrounds.
- Demonstrated emotional maturity, stability, and professionalism.
- Current physical examination, including TB test and drug screening.
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
- Current qualifying criminal background check through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE).
Physical Requirements: This position requires the ability to perform the essential job functions listed above, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and child care licensing regulations.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the classroom and center for extended periods of time.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, and reach frequently to interact with children at their level and support classroom activities.
- Ability to lift, carry, and support children weighing up to 40 pounds, as well as move classroom materials, equipment, and supplies.
- Ability to actively supervise children at all times, including visual and auditory monitoring of indoor and outdoor play areas.
- Ability to use hands and fingers for fine motor tasks such as assisting children with self-help skills, preparing materials, cleaning, writing, and documentation.
- Ability to speak clearly and hear effectively to communicate with children, families, and staff, including responding promptly to children’s needs and safety concerns.
- Ability to visually observe children, classroom environments, and materials to ensure health, safety, and developmental appropriateness.
- Ability to tolerate moderate to high noise levels typical of an early childhood classroom environment.
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions during playground activities, arrival/dismissal, and special events.
- Ability to respond calmly and appropriately in emergency situations, including evacuations, medical incidents, and behavior-related safety concerns.
- Ability to maintain physical stamina and energy to support an active classroom setting, including prolonged standing, walking, and engaging in play-based learning.
Accountability:
- Reports directly to the Director.
- Responsible for maintaining the goals, philosophy, and policies of Dixon Academy.
- Responsible for maintaining NC sanitation rules/regulations and requirements per state licensing.
- Performance will be evaluated by the Director on a regular basis.
Pay: $17.50 - $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
Education:
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 3 years (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person
