Lead Preschool Teacher
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
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