Preschool Lead Teacher

Thompson Child & Family Focus•Charlotte, NC

11d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Thompson was founded in 1886 as an orphanage and has grown into an organization operating across the Carolinas, Florida Tennessee and Kentucky. Thompson’s continuum of care encompasses three domains: prevention, mental health services and foster care. All Thompson programs are trauma-informed and evidence-based/evidence-informed with the intention of building resilience in our clients (ages 0-18) and their families, both virtually and in person. Our values are Excellence, Innovation, Commitment, Caring and Integrity. As a Preschool Lead Teacher in the Early Childhood department, you will be responsible for leading direct service and supervision to children in their classroom, ensuring their safety and well-being. You will adapt direct service to meet individual needs within the structure of an overall curriculum and prepare appropriate materials in advance to successfully implement daily plans. Lead Teachers assume responsibility for their personal professional development, assist in the development of personal goals, complete continuing education requirements, maintain accurate professional development files, and serve on professional committees. They contribute to a positive team culture through their actions, attitude, and communication, and work effectively with staff, children, and families. Lead Teachers manage a structured and routine classroom, maintain cleanliness, order, and state of repair, and replenish supplies. They maintain a healthy and safe environment, follow health and safety procedures, and engage in activities such as toileting, diaper changing, hand washing, and health checks. Lead Teachers foster positive relationships with families, communicate daily with parents, and convey problems and concerns to the Director. They understand and adhere to regulations for working in a five-star early childhood center, including knowledge of Environmental Rating Scales, NC Foundations, and DCDEE childcare requirements. A typical day as a Lead Teacher will include arriving on time and preparing to engage with the children, planning and implementing age-appropriate activities that meet the developmental needs of each child, supervise other staff members, ensuring everyone is aligned with the day's plans and activities, serve as a role model, setting positive examples for both the children and the staff. Maintaining a healthy and safe environment, which includes following health and safety procedures and ensuring the cleanliness and order of the classroom. Individualize instructions to meet each child's unique needs. Foster positive relationships with the families, communicating regularly to keep them informed about their child's progress and any concerns. Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and follow the center's policies and procedures.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent and 2 years of experience with Birth-5 years of age.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome training.
Knowledge of Environmental Rating Scales.
All potential job candidates must pass a drug screening test.
An extensive background check is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field preferred.
Division of Child Development and Early Education regulations a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead direct service and supervision to children in their classroom, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Adapt direct service to meet individual needs within the structure of an overall curriculum and prepare appropriate materials in advance to successfully implement daily plans.
Assume responsibility for personal professional development, assist in the development of personal goals, complete continuing education requirements, maintain accurate professional development files, and serve on professional committees.
Contribute to a positive team culture through actions, attitude, and communication, and work effectively with staff, children, and families.
Manage a structured and routine classroom, maintain cleanliness, order, and state of repair, and replenish supplies.
Maintain a healthy and safe environment, follow health and safety procedures, and engage in activities such as toileting, diaper changing, hand washing, and health checks.
Foster positive relationships with families, communicate daily with parents, and convey problems and concerns to the Director.
Understand and adhere to regulations for working in a five-star early childhood center, including knowledge of Environmental Rating Scales, NC Foundations, and DCDEE childcare requirements.
Arrive on time and prepare to engage with the children.
Plan and implement age-appropriate activities that meet the developmental needs of each child.
Supervise other staff members, ensuring everyone is aligned with the day's plans and activities.
Serve as a role model, setting positive examples for both the children and the staff.
Maintain a healthy and safe environment, which includes following health and safety procedures and ensuring the cleanliness and order of the classroom.
Individualize instructions to meet each child's unique needs.
Communicate regularly with families to keep them informed about their child's progress and any concerns.
Attend staff meetings and training sessions.
Follow the center's policies and procedures.

Benefits

3 weeks paid time off (PTO) first year plus 10 paid holidays!
Health, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life insurance options
401K Match
Education Reimbursement
Referral Bonus
Clinical Supervision Reimbursement of $60 for eligible candidates obtaining licensure
Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through FAFSA after 10 years of service
Eligibility to apply for the state loan repayment program that repays up to $50,000 of student loans
Paid time off for volunteering in the community
Free EAP services
Mileage Reimbursement
iPhone and Laptop provided for eligible roles
Multiple opportunities for growth