Lead Teacher for Two Year Old Classroom

The Goddard School • Ashburn, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Goddard School in Ashburn is hiring a full-time Lead Teacher for its two-year-old classrooms. The role involves leading the educational experience for up to 16 children alongside a co-teacher in a school with dedicated off-floor planning time, manageable class sizes, and recently expanded facilities, including a gym and specialty studios for STEM, Culinary Arts, Visual Arts, and Performance. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA-CSS) and offers programs including Private Kindergarten and enrichment activities.

The Lead Teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate learning experiences, manages classroom operations, collaborates with and mentors teaching staff, communicates with parents, and tracks children’s development. The position is Monday through Friday, with no nights or weekends. Compensation is $20–$25 per hour, based on education, credentials, and experience.

Requirements

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of lead teaching experience in a licensed childcare or preschool setting.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool-age children.
• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to create structure while maintaining warmth.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Completion of all Virginia-required pre-service training.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed for child safety and program activities.
• Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, and move at a child’s level throughout the day.
• Ability to stand and move actively for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• A genuine passion for early childhood education and commitment to professional growth are welcomed even if the candidate does not meet every listed qualification.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that encourage curiosity and build school-readiness skills in language, social-emotional development, early math, and science.
• Lead classroom operations, including managing the daily schedule, setting expectations, and creating a structured, joyful learning environment.
• Mentor and collaborate with the co-teacher and assistant staff, modeling early childhood education best practices.
• Build relationships with parents through daily communication about milestones and development, using personal conversations and the school’s mobile communication platform.
• Use specialty studios for STEM, Culinary Arts, Visual Arts, and Performance to create cross-curricular learning experiences.
• Observe, assess, and document each child’s developmental progress and adapt teaching approaches to individual needs.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and nurturing classroom that meets or exceeds state licensing and MSA-CSS accreditation standards.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Performance-based bonus
• Competitive salary of $20–$25 per hour
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts, including a 50% tuition discount for the employee’s enrolled children
• Health insurance
• Up to 18 days of paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Vision insurance
• Professional development through Goddard Systems University, including IACET-accredited CEUs
• CDA credential support
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Career advancement opportunities and promotion from within
• Teacher recognition programs

What This Job Offers

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