Preschool Lead Teacher

Cadence Academy Preschool•Ridgefield, CT

5d•$20 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Lead Teacher creates a safe, engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. Under the direction of the School Director, this classroom leader 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 Lead Teacher models professionalism, follows licensing and safety requirements, and partners with families and team members to support each child’s growth and success. The role involves building positive relationships with children and families, recognizing diverse developmental and learning needs, documenting curriculum and incidents, and using Cadence communication systems. Schedules may vary based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs; shifts are not guaranteed to be eight hours, and daily end times cannot be guaranteed. Required training, meetings, and professional development may occur 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 for Lead Teachers; qualifying pathways 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.
Be able to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
Demonstrate 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 with consistency, structure, and care.
Have strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Have flexibility to work schedules that may vary with enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs; shifts may not be eight hours and end times are not guaranteed.
Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development that may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours.

Nice To Haves

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.
CDA credential.

Responsibilities

Create a warm, welcoming, inclusive classroom where each 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, well-supervised classroom and follow 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 Employee Handbook standards.
Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development, including those that may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours.

Benefits

Competitive compensation based on education and experience; hourly pay rate of $19.88–$24.38.
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 available.
Additional life, disability, and retirement plans.
Educational and professional development.
Tuition reimbursement.
Company-paid life insurance.
Pet insurance.
Paid CDA.