Preschool Teacher- All Ages

Foundation Operations - South Carolina LLC•Charleston, SC

About The Position

About Smart Cookies Smart Cookies preschools serve families with children ages six weeks to five years old in the Charleston area. We are small enough to know every child and family by name, yet big enough to offer dynamic classrooms, enriching programs, and intentional care that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. With two schools located on Savannah Highway, we help parents choose the right fit for their child’s age and developmental stage. Our mission is to create a warm, joyful environment where children learn, grow, and develop strong foundations for life. Our core values are: Quality, Integrity, Service, and Community. Smart Cookies is proud to be part of Lantern Learning Group, a purpose-led network of preschools united by shared values and a commitment to exceptional early childhood education. Being part of this larger family provides our team with added resources, professional growth opportunities, and long-term stability—while allowing each school to maintain the unique culture and identity that makes it special in its community. Teacher Responsibilities Maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing classroom environment Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth Document attendance records, food program compliance, developmental milestones, accident reports, and daily communication with parents Use positive guidance techniques Collaborate respectfully and professionally with other team members to ensure the success of the children and the school family What We’re Looking For Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent Experience working with young children Ability to bend, stoop, and run to keep up with active young children Strong communication and interaction skills with children and parents Compassion, respect, and patience for young children All hourly employees receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth: Employer covers 70% of employee medical premiums FSA/DCA enrollment options Voluntary Dental & Vision coverage Voluntary Life, Disability, Accident & Critical Illness coverage Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Voluntary Pet Insurance 80 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO) – accruals start day 1 13–15 paid holidays annually 2 days of paid Bereavement Leave Childcare tuition discounts Scholarship program Lantern Learning Group Paid Family Leave (LLGPFL) 401(k) with 6% match; no wait time for vesting once eligible CDA Program Assistance Requirements Required Education and Experience: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent Minimum age of 18 TB test and physical before start date Preferred Education and Experience: Prior teaching or child care experience Completion of the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential (ECD 101) At least 6 months of experience in a regulated child care facility Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Successful completion of an FBI and SLED background check Annual completion of 15 hours of training, including: 5 hours in child growth and development 5 hours in curriculum activities for children Remaining hours in health, safety, or other child care-related topics Current Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications If transporting children, a valid Class C driver's license with a clean Department of Public Safety record, plus 2 hours of transportation training annually

Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
Experience working with young children
Ability to bend, stoop, and run to keep up with active young children
Strong communication and interaction skills with children and parents
Compassion, respect, and patience for young children
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
Minimum age of 18
TB test and physical before start date
Successful completion of an FBI and SLED background check
Annual completion of 15 hours of training, including: 5 hours in child growth and development 5 hours in curriculum activities for children Remaining hours in health, safety, or other child care-related topics
Current Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications
If transporting children, a valid Class C driver's license with a clean Department of Public Safety record, plus 2 hours of transportation training annually

Nice To Haves

Prior teaching or child care experience
Completion of the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential (ECD 101)
At least 6 months of experience in a regulated child care facility

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing classroom environment
Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth
Document attendance records, food program compliance, developmental milestones, accident reports, and daily communication with parents
Use positive guidance techniques
Collaborate respectfully and professionally with other team members to ensure the success of the children and the school family