Lead Teacher - Clinton Child Care Center

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY•Clinton, TN

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher creates and maintains a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate classroom environment for children. The role leads classroom operations, implements curriculum, supervises classroom staff, and ensures compliance with Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing regulations and center policies. The Lead Teacher promotes positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers while supporting children’s growth and development. The position is full-time and requires flexibility based on center operational needs. Occasional early mornings, evenings, or special events may be required. The job description may be modified based on operational needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Knowledge of Tennessee DHS child care licensing requirements.
CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain it upon hire.
Ability to pass required background checks and drug screenings.
Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
Ability to multitask and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, bend, kneel, sit on the floor, actively engage with children, supervise children indoors and outdoors, and respond quickly in emergencies.
Flexibility based on center operational needs; occasional early mornings, evenings, or special events may be required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree, CDA, associate’s degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education.
Experience working in a licensed child care setting.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum and learning experiences aligned with developmental milestones.
Create a positive, engaging, and structured classroom environment; maintain consistent daily routines and schedules.
Use positive behavior guidance and classroom management strategies.
Observe and document children’s development and progress.
Ensure active supervision of children at all times.
Maintain compliance with Tennessee DHS licensing standards and center policies, including child-to-staff ratios, supervision, health and sanitation, safe sleep practices where applicable, attendance and documentation, emergency procedures, medication, and incident reporting.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom; immediately report injuries, incidents, or concerns to administration.
Supervise and support assistant teachers and classroom aides, delegate responsibilities, model professionalism and positive communication, and assist with onboarding and mentoring new staff.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Build respectful relationships with families, communicate about children’s progress, behavior, and daily activities, address questions and concerns professionally, and support family engagement activities and center events.