Preschool Lead Teacher

Company Overview We are hiring a Preschool Lead Teacher to join our team of dedicated educators. If you’re passionate about early childhood development and have experience in childcare, daycare, or preschool education, we’d love to meet you. Centrally located in Durham, NC, Our PlayHouse Preschool is an engaging, individualized and hands-on accredited educational program for children 12 months to 5 years of age. Having served over 350 families in the past 10 years, we offer low student to teacher ratios, rich indoor and outdoor learning experiences, and child-led education. We are a diverse and caring community of teachers, kids, and parents who love to learn, play, and explore together. We are currently in search of enthusiastic, responsible, and creative educators to work with children from toddlers up to preschool. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s and at least 2 years of experience working in early childhood education with a passion for innovative, play-based teaching styles. Compelling candidates lacking the above requirements but possessing unique experiences are strongly encouraged to apply. We are looking for lead teachers to join our team for our upcoming school year that begins in August, 2026 The teacher should have or exhibit: A love for working with children and families A willingness to learn about and implement child-focused, or Reggio-inspired perspectives View teaching young children as a profession View learning as a collaborative process Develop curriculum based on the children's own interests Engage children in many ways leading with play, but continuing with art, music, reading, writing, and experimentation Document and make visible a child's interests using journals, cameras, and other tools Involve parents in the learning process by sharing Experience working with young children Is organized, tech-savvy, punctual, and able to communicate well verbally and in writing. Strong classroom management skills A belief that children are inherently capable Our PlayHouse Preschool is looking for autonomous, enthusiastic, and responsible professionals with the ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children ages 1-5. Our approach, “Reggio-Emilia,” is an innovative and unique play-based educational style. Compensation & Benefits: Competitive compensation based on level of education and experience Hourly Pay Rate:  $16.75 - $21.13 On demand pay with UKG Wallet 50% childcare tuition discount 401(k) with employer match Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including: Paid time off that increases with seniority Paid holidays Medical, dental, vision options available Additional life, disability, and retirement plans Educational and professional development Tuition reimbursement Company-paid life insurance Pet insurance Paid CDA  Job Description What You’ll Do Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where every child is treated with dignity, respect, and care. Build positive, professional relationships with children and families, including daily greetings and ongoing communication. Recognize and respond to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs , including implementing IEPs and behavioral support plans as required. Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence educational philosophy and Signature Programs. Use Cadence-required systems and communication tools to communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership. Maintain a safe and well‑supervised classroom , following the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual at all times. Accurately document and report accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors in accordance with company policy and licensing requirements. Follow all Cadence Education policies, procedures, and standards outlined in the Employee Handbook. Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development , which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours. What We’re Looking For  Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Demonstrated ability to follow all safety procedures, including Name‑to‑Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle‑feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices. Ability to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Education Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred. Experience Must meet state licensing requirements for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center. A minimum of 6–12 months of early childhood or classroom experience is preferred, depending on education and credentials. Credentials & Licensing Must meet all Department of Health Services (DHS) licensing qualifications for Lead Teachers, which may include: High school diploma or GED plus required experience or College coursework in early childhood education or CDA, CCP, EEC or NAC credential Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings. CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are met. Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully) Flexibility is essential. Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs. Work schedules may vary and are not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts . Daily end times may vary and cannot be guaranteed . #CR