Early Childhood Teacher

Summary

Early Childhood Teacher – Position Summary

Future Leaders of Excellence is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Early Childhood Educator who brings both heart and structure into the classroom. This role is ideal for someone who values teamwork, takes initiative, and creates a learning environment where children feel supported, engaged, and motivated to grow.

As the classroom lead, you will set the tone for a positive and productive learning space—guiding both children and staff through meaningful daily experiences. You will be responsible for understanding each child’s developmental needs and delivering instruction that supports their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Strong communication with families and collaboration with your team will be essential to success in this role.

Key Duties

• Lead and cultivate a strong classroom team focused on delivering high-quality early education.
• Design and execute lesson plans that are both engaging and appropriate for the developmental stage of each child.
• Maintain a structured yet welcoming classroom that promotes safety, learning, and creativity.
• Build and maintain open lines of communication with families and colleagues.
• Support assistant teachers through coaching, direction, and day-to-day leadership.
• Work closely with families to ensure consistency between home and school while addressing individual needs and milestones.

Duties

Core Responsibilities

• Develop lesson plans aligned with early childhood education standards and best practices.
• Demonstrate strong teaching techniques while guiding team members to improve instructional quality.
• Facilitate activities that encourage well-rounded child development across all key areas.
• Keep families informed through daily updates, written reports, and scheduled meetings.
• Follow all licensing requirements, safety procedures, and organizational policies.
• Ensure the classroom remains clean, organized, and conducive to a healthy environment.
• Oversee assistants and volunteers to ensure consistency in supervision and instruction.
• Maintain accurate records including attendance, incident reports, and developmental tracking.
• Participate in ongoing training to stay current with industry standards and enhance professional skills.

Requirements

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, email, and recordkeeping systems).
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Sound understanding of child growth and development principles.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal abilities.
• High level of energy, creativity, patience, and professionalism when working in a childcare setting.

Certifications & Background Requirements:

• Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification (required or obtained within 30 days of hire).
• Must successfully complete and maintain TDHS-required background checks, including fingerprinting and reference verification.
• Must pass a pre-employment health screening as required under Tennessee Child Care Licensing Regulations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to engage in active supervision, including frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, or sitting on the floor with children.
• Capable of lifting or carrying up to 40 pounds as needed.
• Ability to see and hear clearly, including close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to detect and respond to child cues and environmental sounds.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with children and adults in a busy classroom environment.
• Must be willing to work towards an early childhood certification.

Nice To Haves

Education Requirements

A Child Development Associate (CDA), Technical Certificate, or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree will also be considered.

Experience

• Previous experience in a childcare or early learning environment is preferred; however, candidates with transferable experience and a strong interest in early education are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Employee Benefits

• Prepaid Legal Services (available after 90 days)
• Vision Coverage (available after 90 days)
• Paid Time Off (accrual begins after one year)
• Ongoing Professional Development Opportunities
• Flexible Scheduling Options
• Paid Holidays (eligibility after one year)