Preschool Lead Teacher

Next Generation Children's Center•Westford, MA

24d•$20 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Lead Teacher, under the direction of the School Director, creates a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. The role plans and delivers curriculum, leads classroom operations, implements Cadence Education programs, and supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and developmental needs, including children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Lead Teachers model professionalism, ensure compliance with licensing and safety requirements, and work with families and team members to support each child’s growth and success. The position calls for a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom, positive relationships and ongoing communication with children and families, and responsiveness to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs. The teacher plans, implements, and documents curriculum aligned with Cadence’s educational philosophy and Signature Programs; uses required communication systems; maintains safe supervision; and documents and reports accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors according to company policy and licensing requirements. The teacher also follows company policies and participates in required training, meetings, and professional development, which may take place outside scheduled work hours. Schedules may change with enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs. Shifts are not guaranteed to be eight hours, and daily end times may vary. The listed workplace is onsite in Westford, Massachusetts.

Requirements

Meet state licensing requirements for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.
Meet applicable Department of Health Services (DHS) Lead Teacher licensing qualifications, which may include a high school diploma or GED plus required experience, college coursework in early childhood education, or a CDA, CCP, EEC, or NAC credential.
Demonstrate the ability to follow safety procedures, including Name-to-Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle-feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
Be able to manage a classroom consistently, with structure and care.
Have strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Be able to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.

Nice To Haves

An associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
A minimum of 6–12 months of early childhood or classroom experience, depending on education and credentials.
A CDA credential, unless state requirements are met through another qualification.

Responsibilities

Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom where every child is treated with dignity, respect, and care.
Build positive, professional relationships with children and families through daily greetings and ongoing communication.
Recognize and respond to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including implementing IEPs and behavioral support plans as required.
Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence’s educational philosophy and Signature Programs.
Use Cadence-required systems and communication tools to communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership.
Maintain a safe and well-supervised classroom and follow the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual.
Document and report accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors according to company policy and licensing requirements.
Follow Cadence Education policies, procedures, and standards in the Employee Handbook.
Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours.

Benefits

Competitive compensation based on education and experience; hourly pay rate of $20.25–$26.33.
On-demand pay through UKG Wallet.
75% childcare tuition discount.
401(k) with employer match.
Paid time off that increases with seniority.
Paid holidays.
Medical, dental, and vision options.
Additional life, disability, and retirement plans.
Educational and professional development.
Tuition reimbursement.
Company-paid life insurance.
Pet insurance.
Paid CDA.