Lead Teacher

Location: Ark Academy, Sioux Falls, SD
Reports to: Center Director
Position Type: Full-time / Part-time

Position Summary

At Ark Academy, our Lead Daycare Teachers play a critical role in creating a warm, nurturing, and faith-based environment where every child feels at home. The Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall care, education, and development of a classroom, guiding daily activities, lesson plans, and classroom management while fostering positive relationships with children, families, and co-workers.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, faith-integrated lesson plans that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Supervise and actively engage with children at all times, ensuring health and safety standards are met.
• Model and encourage respectful, kind, and positive behaviors in alignment with Christian values.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding their child's progress, needs, and milestones.
• Collaborate with assistant teachers and support staff, providing mentorship, guidance, and leadership.
• Maintain accurate daily records (attendance, meals, incidents, assessments).
• Adhere to state licensing regulations and center policies.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and school functions.
• Support center-wide initiatives, special events, and community involvement activities.

Qualifications

• Must meet South Dakota state licensing requirements for Lead Teacher (such as Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent education/experience).
• Previous experience working in a licensed childcare facility preferred.
• Strong understanding of early childhood development principles.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and work well within a team.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or willing to obtain within 90 days of employment).
• A passion for nurturing children’s spiritual, emotional, and academic growth.
• Must pass background check and meet state childcare center requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to actively participate in children's activities (bending, stooping, sitting on the floor, outdoor play).