Lead Teacher (Early Childhood Education)

Summary

Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence

We are seeking a nurturing, reliable, and organized Lead Teacher to join our growing early learning center. This role is ideal for an educator who enjoys working with children, creating a structured classroom environment, and partnering with families to support each child’s development. As a Lead Teacher, you will be responsible for managing your classroom, guiding daily routines, and supporting children’s social, emotional, and academic growth.

Duties

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a classroom in a safe, structured, and engaging environment
• Implement daily lesson plans and age-appropriate activities (provided by the center)
• Support children’s social, emotional, and behavioral development
• Maintain classroom organization, cleanliness, and licensing compliance
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child’s day and progress
• Supervise and support assistant teachers or aides
• Ensure accurate attendance and daily documentation
• Complete required ongoing professional development and training
• Experience working with children in a childcare or preschool setting
• Meets state licensing requirements for a Lead Teacher
• Strong classroom management and communication skills
• Dependable, professional, and team-oriented
• Passion for early childhood education

Requirements

Required Education and Qualifications

Candidates must meet VDOE Child Day Center (8VAC20-780) qualification requirements and meet one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field
• Bachelor’s degree in Education with endorsement in early childhood, elementary education, or special education
• Bachelor’s degree in a child-related field with required early childhood coursework
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
• Early Childhood Certificate (minimum of 30 semester hours of child-related coursework)
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent

Experience Requirements:

• Experience aligned with education pathway per VDOE regulations
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate curriculum

Required Certifications

• Current CPR (Pediatric and Adult) certification
• Current First Aid certification
• Ability to pass all required Virginia background checks (Central Registry and Criminal History)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and supervise children for extended periods
• Physical capability to respond to classroom and emergency situations

Health and Safety Requirements

• Documentation of a negative TB screening per VDOE requirements
• Completion and maintenance of Daily Health Observation (DHO) training
• Completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training
• Completion of Child Abuse and Neglect Training within required timelines
• Compliance with communicable disease reporting and return-to-care policies
• Ongoing compliance with all childcare health, safety, and sanitation standards
• Employment contingent upon meeting and maintaining all required screenings and trainings

Nice To Haves

Professional Standards

• Maintain confidentiality of all child and family information
• Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct at all times
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by Virginia law
• Uphold the mission and values of Kids Academy CORE Foundation

Professional Development

• Complete annual training requirements per Virginia licensing regulations
• Participate in professional development related to early childhood education and STE(AI)M instruction
• Maintain current knowledge of educational technology and innovative teaching practices
• Be currently in the position of a Lead Teacher

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation: Based on experience and qualifications
• Benefits: Paid time off, paid holidays, professional development opportunities
• Enrollment Bonus
• Additional benefits may apply

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.