On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center

Lead Preschool Teacher

Dayton, OH Full Time Preschool (3–5) Center-based CDA Preferred
Salary
$19 – $21/Hr
Job Type
Full Time
Role
Lead Teacher
Setting
Center-based
Credential
CDA Preferred

About This Role

Our Culture:



At On Purpose Academy & Mentoring Center, we pride ourselves on maintaining a culture that is:



  • Detail-Oriented: We are not perfect but we are focused on quality, excellence, and precision.
  • People-Oriented: We foster a supportive, fair, and uplifting environment for students, families, and staff.
  • Team-Oriented: We believe collaboration, respect, and mutual growth create the best outcomes for everyone.


About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Preschool Teacher to join our highly-rated, community-centered 5-Star, Gold rated preschool program. The Lead Teacher will provide high-quality instruction, mentor Assistant Teachers, foster student growth, and actively contribute to a nurturing and organized classroom environment for children ages 3–4 years.


If you are passionate about early childhood education, thrive in a collaborative setting, and are ready to make a lasting impact, we would love to meet you!


We are always accepting applications for this role.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities:

Instruction and Curriculum Implementation:


  • Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons to preschool children (ages 3–4) using FrogStreet.
  • Differentiate instruction to meet individual learning styles, developmental levels, and diverse needs of students.
  • Integrate social-emotional learning, literacy, numeracy, and exploration-based activities daily.

Leadership and Staff Development:


  • Mentor, support, and provide ongoing training to the Assistant Teacher in instructional techniques, classroom management, student engagement, organization, and documentation.
  • Co-plan weekly and monthly lesson plans, ensuring activities are aligned with learning objectives and best practices.
  • Collaborate with our community partners (Preschool Promise and HeadStart) to deliver high quality instruction

 

 Assessment and Progress Monitoring:


  • Conduct weekly formal and informal observations of student progress in Cognitive Tool Box
  • Complete observation documentation both in written form and through online assessment tools as required.
  • Utilize data to inform instruction and intervention practices, promoting best outcomes for each child.

Family Engagement:


  • Maintain consistent, positive communication with parents and guardians regarding student achievements, milestones, and areas for growth.
  • Prepare and participate in Quarterly Parent-Teacher Conferences, newsletters, and classroom updates.
  • Support parents in logging In-kind donations

Classroom Management and Environment:


  • Establish and maintain a safe, organized, and stimulating learning environment.
  • Implement effective classroom routines, procedures, and positive behavior strategies that foster respect, responsibility, and community.
  • Maintain compliance with state licensing standards, health and safety policies, and accreditation guidelines.

Professional Collaboration:


  • Attend and actively participate in weekly staff meetings, coaching sessions, and professional development opportunities.
  • Collaborate with the preschool team to support program goals, center-wide initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:


  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent coursework in child development MANDATORY
  • 2+ years of direct teaching experience in a preschool, early learning center, or related childcare setting.
  • Ohio Professional Registry CPL Level 3 or higher MANDATORY
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and coaching skills.
  • Passion for working with young children and dedication to supporting their academic, emotional, and social development.
  • Ability to create strong rapport with children, families, and colleagues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to maintain a clean, structured, and inviting classroom environment.

Commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning

Nice to Have

Nice to Have

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
  • Experience working in a high-quality preschool, Head Start, Step Up To Quality, or licensed childcare program
  • Knowledge of social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior support strategies
  • Experience using curriculum platforms such as FrogStreet, Creative Curriculum, or similar evidence-based models
  • Strong classroom management skills with the ability to create a nurturing, engaging, and structured learning environment
  • Experience conducting child observations, assessments, and parent-teacher conferences
  • Ability to collaborate with families, specialists, and support staff to meet the needs of diverse learners
  • CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
  • Bilingual abilities are a plus
  • Passion for innovation, creativity, and helping children learn through play, exploration, and relationship-building

Benefits

✓ Paid Leave ✓ Retirement Plan ✓ Tuition Assistance ✓ Child Care Discount ✓ Professional Development ✓ Competitive pay based on education, experience, and credentials ✓ Paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) opportunities ✓ Supportive leadership team that values creativity, collaboration, and innovation ✓ Opportunities for advancement into leadership, coaching, or administrative roles ✓ Professional development, training, and continuing education support ✓ Family-oriented and positive workplace culture ✓ Access to classroom resources, curriculum support, and coaching to help teachers succeed ✓ Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families every day ✓ Collaborative environment with mental and behavioral health supports integrated into the program ✓ Employee appreciation events, recognition initiatives, and team-building activities ✓ Opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization committed to equity, excellence, and community impact ✓ Consistent daytime schedule with a focus on work-life balance and team support

Benefits We Offer

Common Questions

What ECE credentials are required for this position?

A CDA is preferred for this role.

What does this position pay?

This Lead Preschool Teacher role pays $19 to $21/Hr.

Is this full-time or part-time?

This job is Full Time.

Where is On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center located?

On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center is located at 51 Best Street, Dayton, OH

See other jobs at On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center
$19 – $21/Hr
On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center · Dayton, OH
Job type Full Time
Role Lead Teacher
Age group Preschool (3–5)
Posted 4 days ago
Reference # 180,138