Lead Preschool Teacher
5 days ago
Dayton
Job Description About This Role Our Culture: We take pride in maintaining a culture that values: At On Purpose Academy & Mentoring Center, we strive for: • Excellence: A commitment to quality and precision in everything we do., • Community: A supportive and uplifting environment for students, families, and staff., • Collaboration: Working together as a team to achieve the best outcomes for everyone. About the Opportunity: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Preschool Teacher to join our highly-rated, community-centered 5-Star, Gold rated preschool program. As a Lead Teacher, you will: Provide high-quality instruction, mentor Assistant Teachers, foster student growth, and actively contribute to a nurturing and organized classroom environment for children ages 3–4 years. If you are passionate about early childhood education, thrive in a collaborative setting, and are ready to make a lasting impact, we would love to meet you! What You'll Do Key Responsibilities: Instruction and Curriculum Implementation: • Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons to preschool children (ages 3–4) using FrogStreet., • Differentiate instruction to meet individual learning styles, developmental levels, and diverse needs of students., • Integrate social-emotional learning, literacy, numeracy, and exploration-based activities daily. Leadership and Staff Development: • Mentor, support, and provide ongoing training to the Assistant Teacher in instructional techniques, classroom management, student engagement, organization, and documentation., • Co-plan weekly and monthly lesson plans, ensuring activities are aligned with learning objectives and best practices., • Collaborate with our community partners (Preschool Promise and HeadStart) to deliver high quality instruction. Assessment and Progress Monitoring: • Conduct weekly formal and informal observations of student progress in Cognitive Tool Box., • Complete observation documentation both in written form and through online assessment tools as required., • Utilize data to inform instruction and intervention practices, promoting best outcomes for each child. Family Engagement: • Maintain consistent, positive communication with parents and guardians regarding student achievements, milestones, and areas for growth., • Prepare and participate in Quarterly Parent-Teacher Conferences, newsletters, and classroom updates., • Support parents in logging In-kind donations. Classroom Management and Environment: • Establish and maintain a safe, organized, and stimulating learning environment., • Implement effective classroom routines, procedures, and positive behavior strategies that foster respect, responsibility, and community., • Maintain compliance with state licensing standards, health and safety policies, and accreditation guidelines. Professional Collaboration: • Attend and actively participate in weekly staff meetings, coaching sessions, and professional development opportunities., • Collaborate with the preschool team to support program goals, center-wide initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts. Requirements Required Qualifications: • MANDATORY: Ohio Professional Registry CPL Level 3 or higher., • MANDATORY: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent coursework in child development., • High school diploma or equivalent required., • 2+ years of direct teaching experience in a preschool, early learning center, or related childcare setting., • Strong leadership, mentoring, and coaching skills., • Passion for working with young children and dedication to supporting their academic, emotional, and social development., • Ability to create strong rapport with children, families, and colleagues., • Excellent written and verbal communication skills., • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail., • Ability to maintain a clean, structured, and inviting classroom environment. Commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning Nice To Haves Nice to Have • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field, • Experience working in a high-quality preschool, Head Start, Step Up To Quality, or licensed childcare program, • Knowledge of social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior support strategies, • Experience using curriculum platforms such as FrogStreet, Creative Curriculum, or similar evidence-based models, • Strong classroom management skills with the ability to create a nurturing, engaging, and structured learning environment, • Experience conducting child observations, assessments, and parent-teacher conferences, • Ability to collaborate with families, specialists, and support staff to meet the needs of diverse learners, • CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire, • Bilingual abilities are a plus, • Passion for innovation, creativity, and helping children learn through play, exploration, and relationship-building Benefits Benefits We Offer • Paid Leave, • Retirement Plan, • Tuition Assistance, • Child Care Discount, • Professional Development, • Competitive pay based on education, experience, and credentials, • Paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) opportunities, • Supportive leadership team that values creativity, collaboration, and innovation, • Opportunities for advancement into leadership, coaching, or administrative roles, • Professional development, training, and continuing education support, • Family-oriented and positive workplace culture, • Access to classroom resources, curriculum support, and coaching to help teachers succeed, • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families every day, • Collaborative environment with mental and behavioral health supports integrated into the program, • Employee appreciation events, recognition initiatives, and team-building activities, • Opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization committed to equity, excellence, and community impact, • Consistent daytime schedule with a focus on work-life balance and team support