Preschool Lead Teacher

Cadence Academy Preschool • Middletown, DE

6d • $19 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Lead Teacher creates a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment. Under the direction of the School Director, the teacher 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). The role also requires modeling professionalism, meeting licensing and safety standards, and working with families and team members to support each child’s growth and success.

Schedules may vary according to enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs. Shifts are not guaranteed to be eight hours, and daily end times may vary. Required trainings, meetings, and professional development may take place outside regularly scheduled work hours.

Requirements

• Meet state licensing requirements for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.
• Meet all Department of Health Services (DHS) 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.
• Ability to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules and end times based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Six to twelve months of early childhood or classroom experience, depending on education and credentials.
• CDA credential.

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, following the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual.
• Accurately 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 training, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours.

Benefits

• On-demand pay with UKG Wallet.
• 50% 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED