Child Care Lead Educator

Bright Horizons • Nashville, TN

6d • $21 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Bright Horizons is hiring a Lead Educator to lead a teaching team in delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum and experiences for children. The role includes serving as a curriculum expert, using educational quality tools to assess and improve program implementation, communicating and partnering with families, and mentoring new teachers while modeling effective practice. The position also carries mandated reporter responsibilities, including reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate state agency, informing the director, and ensuring teaching staff understand this requirement.

This is an in-person role at an early education/preschool child care center in the Nashville, Tennessee area. The employee provides supervision, care, curriculum delivery, and related services in accordance with Bright Horizons policies, procedures, guidance, and applicable laws and regulations, with a focus on children’s safety.

Candidates must pass required background checks and meet state and company education and experience requirements. A CDA with an educational plan to complete an associate degree is required. At least three years of professional teaching experience in a high-quality child care, daycare, or preschool setting is required. An associate or higher degree in early childhood education or a related child development field, and experience in a NAEYC-accredited center, are preferred.

The hourly pay range is $21.10–$25.75. Actual compensation depends on factors such as experience, education, training, certifications, geography, and other business or organizational considerations. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• Pass required state and company background checks and meet applicable state and company minimum education and experience requirements.
• A CDA with an educational plan to complete an associate degree.
• At least three years of professional teaching experience in high-quality child care, daycare, or preschool settings.
• Comply with applicable immunization, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training requirements.
• Frequently lift, carry, or hold children weighing 10 to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift, carry, or hold more than 40 pounds.
• Demonstrate full range of motion for lifting, reaching, squatting, climbing, sitting, and participating in activities.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or higher degree in early childhood education or a related child development field.
• Experience working in a NAEYC-accredited center.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in implementing high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Bright Horizons’ philosophy and anti-bias education.
• Serve as a curriculum expert and use educational quality tools to assess and enhance program implementation.
• Partner and communicate effectively with families.
• Mentor new teachers and serve as a role model for the teaching team.
• Fulfill mandated reporter requirements, including reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate state agency, informing the director, and ensuring teaching staff know the requirement.
• Provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery, and services in the child care center in accordance with company policies, procedures, guidance, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Ensure the safety of children in Bright Horizons’ care.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools.
• Career development opportunities and free college degrees through the Horizons CDA & Degree Program.
• Caregiving support and resources for children and adults in the employee’s family.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree