Lead Teacher - Toddlers and Preschool

Child Development Schools•Wilmington, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Lead Teacher at Child Development Schools, you will create a classroom environment filled with discovery, creativity, learning, and joy. You will guide children through meaningful experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, kindness, and growth, and help create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore. You will be a trusted partner to families, a positive role model for children, and part of a collaborative teaching team focused on engaging, nurturing, safe, and fun early childhood education. The role serves the Toddler or Preschool classrooms in Wilmington, North Carolina. The position pays $15–$18 per hour, based on experience and education. Full-time employees receive medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance; a 401(k); nine company-paid holidays and eight days of PTO; a 50% tuition discount for their own children enrolled at a CDS center; up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for continued education; PerkSpot discounts; an Employee Assistance Program; and coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development. Child Development Schools is a childcare and early education provider with more than 270 centers across 11 states, serving over 30,000 children ages six weeks to twelve years. The company is committed to high-quality developmental education, supporting families and communities, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to the protected characteristics listed in the posting.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.
Have an associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Be able to pass a background check.
Complete 12 hours of childcare training within 30 days of hire; the employer will help facilitate this.
Demonstrate genuine care for children and commitment to their safety and well-being.
Have strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with families.
Have the physical ability to meet the demands of working with young children.

Nice To Haves

A degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education.
Prior experience in a licensed childcare center.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons and activities for Toddler or Preschool classrooms.
Keep the classroom safe, organized, and compliant with licensing and ratio requirements.
Observe and document each child's development and regularly share progress with families.
Build relationships with parents through daily communication and scheduled conferences.
Complete required documentation, including attendance, incident reports, and assessments.
Help create meaningful experiences that encourage children's curiosity, confidence, kindness, and growth.
Contribute as a positive role model and collaborative member of the teaching team.