Lead Childcare Teacher
Starting Pay
$20.00 per hour, with incremental pay increases based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated performance.
Position Type
Full-time
Position Overview
Fun Shine Licensed Childcare is seeking a qualified, dependable, and nurturing Lead Teacher to help provide high-quality care and early childhood education in a large licensed family childcare home. The ideal candidate is passionate about child development, confident in leading a classroom, and committed to creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where every child can learn and thrive.
This position is ideal for an experienced early childhood educator who is ready to take an active leadership role in daily childcare operations, educational planning, and maintaining a positive environment for children and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily classroom activities and provide developmentally appropriate care and education.
- Plan and implement engaging activities that support social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
- Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming childcare environment.
- Supervise children actively and consistently, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
- Establish positive routines, encourage independence, and support age-appropriate behavior management.
- Build respectful, professional relationships with parents and caregivers through regular communication.
- Observe and document children's developmental progress as appropriate.
- Follow all applicable state childcare licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and program policies.
- Maintain accurate attendance, incident, and other required childcare records.
- Assist with meals, snacks, diapering, toileting, rest periods, and other daily care routines as needed.
- Work collaboratively with the childcare provider and other staff to maintain consistent expectations and high-quality care.
- Support emergency preparedness, sanitation, and safe sleep practices where applicable.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, patience, and sound judgment.
Required Qualifications
- Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent qualifying early childhood education credentials.
- Meets applicable state licensing qualifications for the Lead Teacher position.
- Current required CPR and First Aid certifications, or willingness to obtain them within the required timeframe, if permitted by licensing rules.
- Ability to meet all applicable background check, fingerprinting, and other childcare employment requirements.
- Knowledge of child development, positive guidance, and age-appropriate learning activities.
- Strong communication, organization, and classroom leadership skills.
- Reliable attendance and a genuine commitment to children's safety and development.
Compensation and Growth Opportunities
- Starting wage: $20.00 per hour.
- Incremental wage increases based on relevant childcare experience, education, additional credentials, and demonstrated job performance.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and advancement as the program grows.
Compensation will reflect the candidate's qualifications and experience, with the opportunity to discuss a higher starting rate for candidates who bring substantial relevant experience or additional credentials.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is warm, patient, dependable, proactive, and confident working with multiple children across a busy childcare day. They take initiative, communicate effectively, follow licensing requirements, and understand that quality childcare requires both nurturing relationships and consistent professional standards.
Most importantly, they genuinely enjoy helping children learn, grow, and feel secure.