Early Childhood - Lead Teacher

Summary

As our Lead Teacher, you are the heartbeat of our morning program. This isn't just a start to the day; it’s where early morning curiosity meets inspired education. You will focus on guiding children aged 3–5 through critical social-emotional milestones and creative discovery, setting a vibrant tone that ensures every child feels safe, seen, and stimulated from the moment they arrive.

Duties

• Empowering Young Minds: Craft and lead hands-on, project-based activities that ignite curiosity and align with the academy’s philosophy of early childhood excellence.
•  Creating a Sanctuary: Build a warm, inclusive classroom "home" that fosters independence, exploration, and a sense of belonging for every child.
• Growth Tracking: Observe and document the "lightbulb moments" in each child’s development, tailoring your approach to meet their individual learning styles.
• Foundation Building: Introduce the magic of math, science, and literacy through storytelling and play, while fostering physical growth through active movement.
• Collaborative Spirit: Partner with the Shift Manager and fellow staff to maintain a cohesive, high-quality environment that parents trust.
• Safety & Excellence: Ensure the highest standards of health and safety, managing classroom routines and transitions with positive, gentle guidance.

Requirements

• Professional Competencies: Proactive self-starter who demonstrates a continuous growth mindset and a commitment to process improvement.
• Educational Background: Currently hold an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Experience: Proven track record of nurturing young children in an educational setting.
• Skill Set: Deep knowledge of child development principles and a talent for classroom management through positive guidance.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build lasting relationships with parents, children, and colleagues.
• Heart & Soul: Patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for engaging children in creative challenges.
• Essentials: First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain) and the ability to pass all required background clearances.

Schedule:

• Shift: Consistent coverage for our 1^st shift (between 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM).
• Availability: Full-time or Part-time options available; may include occasional academy events outside of regular hours.

Nice To Haves

• Foundational knowledge of Montessori or STEAM educational frameworks, with a proven ability to adapt and excel in specialized learning environments is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Professional Impact: The opportunity to shape the foundational years of our students in a real-world educational setting.
• Professional Development: Gain access to specialized training and mentorship to help you grow as an educator and leader.
• Community Networking: Connect with a dedicated team of education professionals focused on transforming early childhood care.
• Total Rewards: Competitive salary commensurate with your experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package and PTO.

About Us

Dream Preparatory Academy, located in Greenville, SC, is a unique educational organization that offers a new teaching style to break traditional barriers of learning repetitive lessons in a prepared routine environment. Our goal is to create a more interactive, hands-on learning environment that is technology-focused and can integrate classroom-to-home management.