Lead Teacher (Preschool/Toddler)

Preschool or Toddler Lead Teacher (New Classrooms Opening) Join Horizon Education Centers as a Preschool Lead Teacher and help prepare young learners for kindergarten success. This position is ideal for experienced professionals in early childhood education, preschool teaching, childcare, Head Start, and kindergarten readiness programs. Locations Hiring: Lakewood Childcare Center located in Lakewood, Ohio Pay: $15.50 - $19.00 per hour Pay is based on education, experience, and OCCRRA Career Pathway Level. Schedule: Full-time Exact Hours TBD About the Role: As a Toddler or Preschool Lead Teacher, you will create a positive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. You will plan and lead classroom activities, foster strong relationships with families, and support each child's social, emotional, and academic growth. Responsibilities: Plan and implement daily lesson plans that support developmentally appropriate practices. Provide high-quality interactions and learning experiences for toddler or preschool-aged children. Maintain a clean, safe, and nurturing classroom environment. Supervise children at all times and ensure compliance with licensing regulations and best practices. Complete required documentation, including attendance, screenings, assessments, and progress reports. Conduct developmental screenings and assessments as required. Partner with families and provide referrals or resources when needs are identified. Collaborate with teachers, center staff, and leadership to support children and families. Assist with classroom operations, including meal service when needed. Build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers. Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and staff information. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Preschool Lead: A current CDA is required; an associate degree or higher in ECE or a related field is preferred. Career Pathway Level in OCCRRA is at minimum Level 3. Toddler Lead: High school diploma or equivalent is required; a CDA, associate degree or higher in ECE or a related field is preferred. Career Pathway Level in OCCRRA is at minimum Level 1 Experience in a toddler or preschool classroom setting is required Experience with Creative Curriculum preferred; strong familiarity with lesson planning incorporating all domains of the Ohio Early Learning Content Standards Willingness to update job knowledge with required training, DCY licensing rules and SUTQ professional development opportunities, and industry trends Must be able to adapt quickly to changing environments and assignments as required We seek someone who is prompt and reliable and who possesses a genuine love of children Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 40 lbs. as required Must be able to pass background checks and physical/ medical screening as required Employee Benefits: FREE Virtual Health Care and Mental Health Care for year-round or seasonal employees, full-time or part-time 20+ hours a week (Subsidized by Horizon) Medical coverage for employees who work 30+ hours a week, year-round Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance for year-round, full-time or part-time 20+ hours per week Pre-paid employment screenings/onboarding, including, but not limited to, fingerprints, and physical/immunization for all employees Paid Time Off (after 90-day probationary period) and Holiday Pay (after your 1st full pay period for New Hires) Paid professional development for full or part-time positions Learn and Earn Tuition Programs for year-round full-time or part-time 20+ hours per week positions 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with match options after a year of employment for year-round, full-time or part-time 20+ hour positions Discounted childcare for all full-time, part-time, or seasonal positions (must apply or prove not eligible for publicly funded childcare)