Lead Teacher - Preschool Program

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CHILDRENS LEARNING CENTER - Lead Teacher - Preschool Program

Job Classification

Hourly Full-time (35-40)

Position summary

The Crayon Box Children's Learning Center is seeking a dependable and energetic Preschool Lead Teacher for our 3-year-old classroom beginning in August 2027. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position for someone passionate about helping young children build a strong foundation for learning through purposeful play, routines, and age-appropriate activities. We're looking for a confident, organized team player committed to helping children grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, and academically.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunch break.

Qualifications summary

• Must be at least 19 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of one year of experience in an early childhood education (ECE) center and must meet the State of Michigan requirements for a Lead Teacher.
• Dependable and highly punctual, with strong time management, organization, and classroom management skills.
• Able to effectively manage classroom materials, resources, routines, and responsibilities.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

The Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for maintaining an organized, well-managed classroom where 3-year-olds build a strong foundation for learning through purposeful play, consistent routines, and age-appropriate learning experiences. Strong classroom management, time management, and leadership skills are essential to this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead with structure and consistency: Plan and maintain a predictable daily schedule that balances learning activities, purposeful play, meals, rest, outdoor time, and smooth transitions.
• Build a foundation for learning: Provide engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences that encourage language, early literacy and math skills, creativity, independence, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth.
• Manage classroom time effectively: Keep activities and routines moving smoothly while remaining flexible and responsive to the needs of young children.
• Plan and implement curriculum: Prepare, carry out, and evaluate classroom activities and child assessments aligned with The Crayon Box curriculum and program goals.
• Provide classroom leadership: Guide assistant teachers, student employees, and volunteers to maintain consistency, safety, and a positive classroom environment.
• Ensure active supervision: Maintain attentive supervision of children at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
• Support daily classroom operations: Assist with meals, dishes, cleaning, sanitizing, organization, toileting routines, and other daily care needs.
• Promote positive behavior: Use clear expectations, consistent routines, encouragement, redirection, and respectful guidance to help children develop self-regulation and positive social skills.
• Model professionalism: Maintain a calm, positive attitude; communicate effectively with children, families, and coworkers; and follow center policies and procedures.
• Maintain health and safety standards: Follow all Crayon Box policies and applicable licensing, health, and safety requirements.
• Work as part of the team: Communicate openly, ask questions when needed, share ideas, and assist the Director and other classrooms as needed to support smooth center operations.
• Communicate effectively: Demonstrate strong oral and written English skills necessary for effective communication with children, families, and staff.

Supervisory responsibilities

• May serve as the Staff in Charge whenever the Director is not on the premises, ensuring smooth operations and professional communication with parents, staff, and visitors, including licensing representatives.

• Independently manage the classroom, maintaining structured routines, safety, and engagement when additional support staff or co-teachers are absent.

• Provide leadership and guidance to assistant teachers, student workers, and volunteers, modeling best practices in classroom management and child supervision.

• Ensure active supervision of all children at all times, indoors and outdoors, promoting their safety, development, and well-being.

• Maintain a positive learning environment that reflects The Crayon Box's mission, values, and commitment to structured, play-enhanced learning.

• Uphold and enforce all Crayon Box policies, procedures, and licensing requirements in every supervisory and instructional capacity.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 19 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.

• Minimum 1 year of experience working in an early childhood education center and meets requirements of State of Michigan for Lead Teacher.

• Completion of MiRegistry-approved training in required areas, which may include but are not limited to:

• 3 hours each in Program Management, Observation, Documentation, and Assessment, and Teaching and Learning

• 6 hours total in any of the following: Interactions and Guidance, Challenging Behaviors, or Trauma-Informed Practices

• Demonstrated excellence in classroom management, including maintaining structure, establishing clear expectations, and creating a calm, consistent learning environment.

• Strong time management skills with the ability to balance instructional blocks, transitions, and daily routines efficiently.

• Excellent understanding of child development and preschool educational methods.

• Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and licensing guidelines for classrooms.

• Clear, professional communication and instructional skills.

• Ability to act as a mediator between children and guide positive behavior choices.

• Warm, friendly, and dependable personality with sensitivity to the needs of children, families, and staff.

• Ability to lead and support a team, providing direction and accountability in a respectful, collaborative manner.

• High level of energy, accuracy, and efficiency in both indoor and outdoor environments.

• Consistently punctual, organized, and reliable, demonstrating professional responsibility and follow-through.

• Must share our passion for children and display a genuine love for kids.

• Willingness to uphold and reflect the center's philosophy and mission in all actions and interactions.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

N/A

Interpersonal interactions

• Positive Role Model: Demonstrates Christ-like behavior, showing kindness, patience, and respect to children, families, and co-workers.

• Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with teachers, assistants, student workers, and administrators to create a supportive environment.

• Respectful Communication: Speaks and listens with warmth and professionalism, even in challenging situations.

• Engaging with Children: Builds nurturing relationships through encouragement, active listening, eye contact, and supportive presence.

• Partnership with Parents: Maintains professional, confidential, and positive communication with families about their child's day.

• Conflict Resolution: Handles differences with patience, discretion, and problem-solving, seeking leadership guidance when needed.

• Encouragement and Support: Uses positive reinforcement to foster joy, cooperation, and teamwork in the classroom.

• Professional Boundaries: Maintains confidentiality and appropriate boundaries in all interactions.

• Sensitivity and Inclusion: Respects and supports diverse backgrounds, cultures, and individual needs with empathy.

• Christ-Centered Commitment: Creates and maintains a faith-filled, supportive environment aligned with the center's mission.

Physical demands

The usual and customary methods of performing this position require the following physical demands:

• Frequent physical activity, including significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
• Regular stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing
• Fine motor skills and significant finger dexterity for tasks such as assisting with children's activities and materials
• Ability to safely lift and carry young children as needed

The general physical expectations for this role include:

• 5% sitting
• 25% walking
• 70% standing

The work is performed in an early childhood classroom environment which may involve:

• Exposure to temperature fluctuations (indoor/outdoor transitions, playground supervision)
• Potential exposure to childhood illnesses and minor injuries typical of working with young children

Staff members are expected to maintain physical stamina, flexibility, and awareness to ensure a safe and engaging environment for all children in their care.

Work environment

The teacher works primarily in an early childhood classroom and outdoor play setting, engaging actively with children throughout the day. The role involves frequent movement, participation in play and learning activities, and maintaining a positive, nurturing environment.

The work environment may include exposure to cleaning products, bodily fluids, and common childhood illnesses. Teachers are responsible for maintaining clean, organized, and safe classroom and playground areas, including light housekeeping such as washing dishes, sanitizing toys, and tidying shared spaces.

All duties must be performed in accordance with The Crayon Box's health, safety, and supervision policies and state licensing regulations.