Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Pay: $20.37 - $23.32 per hour

Job description:

Job Title: Lead Preschool Teacher
Pay Range: $20.37 – $23.32 per hour (based on qualifications)
Employment Type: Full-Time (School-Year Schedule: August–June)
Work Location: On-Site Only

Compensation Details:

• Level 1: $20.37/hour (Associate’s Degree + 3 years experience)
• Level 2: $23.32/hour (Bachelor’s Degree in ECE or equivalent coursework)
• Sign-On Bonus: Receive $1,000 after 90 days of employment and a favorable performance review

Benefits Package Includes:

• Comprehensive medical benefits starting the 1st of the month after 30 days
• 403(b) retirement plan available immediately with up to 7% employer match
• Generous paid leave, including:
• Accrued sick time
• 3 personal days
• 17 paid holidays — including your birthday!
• Tuition assistance for eligible academic programs
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program eligibility
• 18% discount on qualifying cellphone plans

Role Summary:

The Lead Preschool Teacher is the primary educator in the classroom, guiding instructional practices and managing day-to-day classroom operations for children ages 3–5. This role includes oversight of classroom support staff and implementation of a research-based curriculum that meets federal Head Start standards. You'll play a central role in shaping a developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment while fostering strong family engagement and school readiness.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum (e.g., Creative Curriculum) supporting all domains of early learning
• Create weekly lesson plans that reflect individual learning goals and cultural/language considerations
• Lead classroom activities and maintain daily routines, ensuring child safety and regulatory compliance
• Supervise and mentor instructional support team members, promoting effective teaching strategies
• Conduct developmental and behavioral screenings; involve families in identifying children’s learning needs
• Collect and analyze child assessment data three times per year to individualize instruction
• Maintain records using COPA (or similar data systems), including progress reports and family communications
• Coordinate and lead two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences per school year
• Partner with families to set educational goals and extend learning into the home
• Collaborate with local school districts for kindergarten transition planning
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming classroom environment
• Engage in program-wide recruitment, family outreach, and enrollment support
• Work with Special Services to support children with disabilities or developmental concerns
• Provide continuous supervision and promote active engagement during all classroom routines
• Uphold confidentiality standards and act as a mandated reporter when necessary
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and continuous improvement activities
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by leadership

Qualifications:Level 1 (minimum):

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, or
• Associate/Bachelor’s in another field plus 15 ECE credits or valid CDA
• At least 3 years’ experience in an early learning classroom (birth–5)

Level 2 (preferred):

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with equivalent ECE coursework
• Experience working with preschool-aged children
• Preferred: State-issued teaching certification for early education

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and proof of car insurance
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Basic technology skills: email, data entry, and Google Workspace familiarity

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

• Strong foundation in child development, especially for ages 3–5
• Proficiency in lesson planning, behavior management, and inclusive teaching
• Able to build positive relationships with families and coworkers
• Competence in differentiating instruction for children with special needs or multilingual learners
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Respectful and responsive to cultural and family diversity
• Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards and relevant state regulations

Working Conditions:

• Classroom setting with moderate noise levels and regular interaction with young children
• Frequent kneeling, bending, standing, and sitting on the floor
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs
• Occasional exposure to illness, bodily fluids, and shared surfaces/tools
• Local travel may be required for family visits or professional development

Equal Employment Statement:

ACE is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and program needs—without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any protected category. Accommodations are available under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAAA).

Please Note:

This description outlines the key responsibilities and expectations of the position. Duties may shift based on the evolving needs of the program. ACE is a Drug-Free Workplace and promotes a Culture of Safety in all its environments.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

ACE's mission statement is to empower people with the skills needed to become self-sufficient and enhance their lives through education, training, life skills, and support services.

Company Description

ACE's mission statement is to empower people with the skills needed to become self-sufficient and enhance their lives through education, training, life skills, and support services.

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