About This Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Lead Science Teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about making science accessible and fun for young children, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, age-appropriate educational experiences.
The Lead Science Teacher will play a key role in fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of science in our children, using a combination of interactive activities, hands-on experiments, and engaging storytelling. This role requires a deep understanding of early childhood teaching practices, a passion for science education, and a strong commitment to the CORE Foundation's mission of providing equitable and premium educational opportunities to all families.
What You'll Do
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Create engaging, age-appropriate science lessons that cater to children aged 2 years old and up, focusing on observational skills, prediction, comparison, measurement, and result analysis.
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Develop and implement science-themed read-alouds, discussions, and simple documentation activities to reinforce vocabulary, comprehension, and early writing skills.
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Design sensory-rich, kid-friendly experiments to introduce complex scientific concepts, such as cause and effect, life cycles, weather, basic physics, and simple chemistry.
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Maintain a safe and nurturing learning environment that meets VDOE licensing requirements, including daily checks of science activity areas and materials.
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Supervise children at all times, ensuring auditory and visual contact, and implement respectful discipline strategies to promote cooperation and safe participation.
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Observe and document children's growth in scientific inquiry skills, maintain learning records, and share progress with parents/guardians.
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Host family-friendly science events, provide support to diverse family structures, and communicate effectively with parents and local stakeholders.
Requirements
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Science, or a related STE(AI)M™ field is highly preferred. Minimum of a CDA (Child Development Associate) or Associate’s degree with a focus on STEM education required.
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Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience teaching in a licensed childcare center or elementary school setting. Documented experience in STEM/STEAM instruction or robotics is a significant plus.
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Certifications: Must possess or be willing to obtain:
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Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff.
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CPR/First Aid Certification (Pediatric and Adult).
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MAT (Medication Administration Training) certification (preferred).
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Background Clearance: Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting (VDOE/Central Registry) and a TB screening.
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Technical & Core Competencies: Ability to simplify complex concepts into kid-friendly explanations and experiments using safe, everyday materials.
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Instructional Agility: The ability to differentiate instruction from early learners (age 2+) to school-age children while keeping lessons engaging and developmentally appropriate.
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Mission Alignment: A deep resonance with the CORE Foundation’s commitment to community impact, equity, and the pursuit of excellence.
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Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
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Ability to sit on the floor, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
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Ability to move quickly to respond to emergencies or active children.
About Us
Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence (KALE), powered by the CORE Foundation, is a next-generation early learning ecosystem built to nurture the whole child—mind, heart, spirit, and future potential. Rooted in compassion and community impact, KALE blends strong early childhood fundamentals with STE(AI)M™ innovation, literacy foundations, and character development. Our work is purpose-driven, family-centered, and excellence-focused.
