Overview
Join our dedicated team as an NC Pre-K Lead Teacher and play a vital role in shaping the early educational experiences of young children. In this energetic and rewarding position, you will lead classroom activities, develop engaging curricula, and foster a nurturing environment that promotes early childhood development. Your expertise will help prepare children for kindergarten by supporting their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth through innovative teaching strategies and compassionate guidance. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s lives while working in a dynamic educational setting.
Responsibilities include:
- provide high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-old children
- provide meaningful opportunities for families to be involved in their child's learning experiences
- monitoring student health screenings and assisting families if needed to obtain
- administering developmental screenings
- support in the facilitating of Creative Curriculum along with the NC Foundations (early learning standards for NC preschoolers)
- collaborate with peers to adapt curriculum based on developmental needs
- support in providing individualized care and guidance using experience and empathy
- support and assist with conducting on-going assessments to gather information about each child's growth and skill development, as well as to inform instruction
- maintain an annual professional development log documenting professional development activities that align with the expectations of the NC Professional Teaching Standards
Qualifications
- Valid DCDEE Qualification Letter to work in licensed childcare in North Carolina
- TB Skin Test completed prior to start date
- Recent Physical Exam (within the past year) or willingness to obtain one
- Minimum of Bachelor's Degree
Eligibility for Unlicensed Educators
Unlicensed Teachers must be deemed eligible to hold an NC Residency Birth-Kindergarten (BK) License. A Residency License is a one-year license that may be renewed twice within a three-year time frame.
To determine eligibility to hold a Residency BK License, you must enroll in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). An EPP is an NC College or University with an approved BK Teacher Licensure Education Program and uses the following criteria to admit prospective unlicensed educators into their program.
- BA/BS Degree
- 2.7 Cumulative GPA
- 24 Semester Hours of coursework in the content licensure area as determined by the EPP
- Must be employed as a NC Pre-K, MECK Pre-K, or Developmental Day Preschool Lead Teacher in a non-public school program.
In the event an educator is deemed ineligible for a Residency BK License by an EPP, only then will the EES Unit begin the process of determining eligibility for an Emergency BK License. Eligibility for an Emergency BK License is based upon the educator having already successfully (grade C or better) completed 18 semester hours of Birth-Kindergarten/Early Childhood coursework as verified by the EES Unit.
NOTE: The Emergency License is non-renewable and good for only one school year. The Lead Teacher must maintain enrollment with an EPP and fulfill all requirements set forth by the college/university to convert the Emergency License to a Residency License prior to the start of the following school year. Failure to follow these requirements will deem the Lead Teacher ineligible to return to the classroom for the upcoming school year.
Eligibility for Licensed Educators
Licensed Lead Teachers may be eligible for licensure support and professional development services if they hold one of the following licenses (active or expired):
- NC Continuing License
- NC Continuing BK or Pre-K/K Add-on License
- NC Continuing Provisional BK or Pre-K/K Add-on*
- NC Initial License
- NC Initial BK or Pre-K/K Add-on License
- NC Initial Provisional BK or Pre-K/K Add-on License*
- NC Lateral Entry BK License
- NC Residency BK License*
- NC Emergency License*
- Out-of-State License
- International License
*Educators with a Plan of Study must complete coursework at a rate of six semester hours per year with a grade of "C" or higher on each course.
Educators are required to submit a legible copy of their license with the EES Enrollment Application to determine eligibility.
Join us in creating a vibrant learning environment where young children can thrive! We are committed to paying all our team members fairly for their dedication and expertise. If you’re passionate about early childhood education and eager to make a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply today!
Pay: $50,456.00 - $55,360.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
License/Certification:
- DCDEE Qualifying Background Check Letter (Required)
- DCDEE NC Works Status Letter (Required)
- CPR & First Aid Certificate (Required)
- NC Teacher License Birth - Kindergarten (Required)
Work Location: In person
