SC First Steps 4K Lead Teacher

The Learning Experience #407•Mount Pleasant, SC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Learning Experience (TLE) – Mt. Pleasant partners with South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness to deliver high-quality, free 4K education through the Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP), commonly known as First Steps 4K. First Steps 4K serves eligible four-year-old children at no cost to families and is co-administered by SC First Steps in private preschool settings. Through this partnership, TLE provides a nurturing, standards-aligned learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten success while supporting families and strengthening school readiness statewide. The SC First Steps 4K Lead Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous classroom environment that supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of four-year-old children. The Lead Teacher plans and implements instruction aligned with the SC Early Learning Standards, First Steps 4K requirements, and TLE’s L.E.A.P.® curriculum to ensure students are fully prepared for kindergarten. Why Join TLE – Mt. Pleasant First Steps 4K? Be part of a state-supported, high-impact early education initiative Serve children who benefit most from early learning access Receive ongoing training through both TLE and SC First Steps Join a mission-driven, professional early childhood education team Make a lasting difference in school readiness for South Carolina children

Requirements

Candidates must meet South Carolina First Steps 4K eligibility requirements, including:
Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field AND enrollment in or completion of a teacher education program within four years
Minimum of six months experience in a licensed childcare or early learning setting
Ability to pass: SLED background check DSS Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect Two professional references familiar with work history

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Responsibilities

Develop and implement weekly lesson plans aligned with: SC Early Learning Standards First Steps 4K approved curriculum TLE’s L.E.A.P.® Program
Use child observations, assessments, and progress monitoring to individualize instruction
Prepare students for successful transition into five-year-old kindergarten
Maintain documentation required for First Steps monitoring and compliance
Maintain a classroom that meets: SC DSS licensing regulations First Steps 4K program requirements TLE health and safety standards
Participate in First Steps site visits, monitoring, and audits as required
Ensure accurate attendance, enrollment, and child record documentation
Build strong partnerships with families through: Regular communication Family engagement activities Support of attendance and school readiness goals
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
Attend all required: SC First Steps trainings DSS licensing trainings TLE professional development
Complete all required continuing education hours annually
Demonstrate ongoing growth in early childhood best practices
Work collaboratively with: Assistant Teachers Center Leadership First Steps Program Coordinators
Support center-wide quality improvement and accreditation goals