Pre-K Teacher - Lottery Funded

Beacon Hill Schools•Watkinsville, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Georgia PreK Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a warm, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for four-year students in accordance with Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) and Beacon Hill Schools (BHS) standards. Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a warm, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for four-year old students in accordance with Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) and Beacon Hill Schools (BHS) standards. This role includes instructional planning, curriculum implementation, classroom leadership, student documentation, family partnership, compliance with DECAL licensing rules, and supervision of an Assistant Teacher. Georgia Lottery Funded Pre-K Lead Teachers must meet all state-required Georgia PreK credential requirements.

Requirements

Passionate about early childhood education and child development.
Strong understanding of age-appropriate learning and behavior guidance.
Able to create a warm, engaging, and structured learning environment.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Organized, patient, and adaptable to children's needs.
Minimum of 1-2 years of teaching experience in a licensed early childhood education (ECE) program in a lottery funded PreK or private PreK.
Ability to pass comprehensive background check and drug screen.
CPR & First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain).
Ability to lift to 40 lbs. and engage physically with children throughout the day

Nice To Haves

Teaching certificate (T4 or higher) in approved fields such as:
Elementary Education
Birth–Kindergarten
Special Ed Preschool 3–5
ECE or approved ECE related Bachelor’s degree or higher
Early Childhood Education P5
Birth to Five/Kindergarten
Child Development or Child and Family Development
Elementary Education
Elementary Reading and Literacy
Special Ed Preschool 3–5
Early Childhood Special Education, Special Education General Curriculum or Adapted Curriculum
Non ECE Bachelor’s degree + an approved ECE credential, such as: ECE Bachelor’s degree + an approved ECE credential, such as:
ECE Associate Degree
Technical College Diploma (ECE major)
Technical Certificate of Credit (ECE major)
MACTE approved Montessori Diploma approved Montessori Diploma
CDA — Preschool only (Infant/Toddler CDA does not qualify)
Experience in private PreK. Experience in private or public-school settings is also preferred.

Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership & Teaching
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and a daily schedule aligned with Frog Street Curriculum, supplemental curriculum resources, Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS), and BHS best practices.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that encourages learning, exploration, and creativity.
Use a variety of developmentally appropriate teaching methods, such as direct instruction, small group work, large group activities, play-based learning, music, movement, and sensory experiences.
Closely monitor child progress and learning outcomes to ensure all children are on track for Kindergarten readiness.
Create and maintain a classroom environment that is well organized, inviting, and aligned to DECAL guidelines.
Child Development & Care
Ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all children at all times (including maintaining DECAL required ratios).
Support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, and physical development.
Observe, assess, and document each child’s progress and maintain required artifacts in Work Sampling Online (WSO) per Georgia PreK requirements.
Prepare for and conduct parent teacher conferences twice per year to communicate each child’s developmental progress.
Differentiate instructions to meet the developmental needs of each learner.
Maintain a calm, nurturing, and supportive environment where children feel safe to explore and grow.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Mentor, guide, and provide clear expectations to the Assistant Teacher to ensure effective classroom operations.
Maintain open, professional communication with school leadership, families, and staff.
Participate actively in staff meetings, required DECAL training, and BHS professional development sessions.
Collaborate with colleagues to support strong school culture and instructional quality.
Classroom Management & Compliance
Follow all DECAL PreK Operating Guidelines, licensing rules, BHS policies, and other regulatory requirements to ensure safety and quality.
Maintain a clean, organized, and nurturing classroom that meets DECAL and BHS health and safety expectations.
Adhere to health protocols including toileting, handwashing, sanitation, food service guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Maintain accurate attendance, documentation logs, and incident reports as required.
Communicate daily with families regarding child development, milestones, classroom updates, and any concerns.
Professional Expectations
Attend all DECAL-required training and school professional development sessions.
Complete required annual training hours as mandated by DECAL.
Display professionalism, reliability, and commitment to quality early childhood education.