First Steps 4K Lead Teacher

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate, research-based curriculum aligned with South Carolina Early Learning Standards, ensuring that children have a strong foundation in early literacy, math, language development, and social-emotional learning.
• Create engaging lesson plans that support early literacy, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and social-emotional development, promoting a love of learning in every child.
• Establish a safe, nurturing, and stimulating classroom environment with interactive learning centers, including dramatic play, blocks, literacy, art, science, and mathematics, that foster creativity, exploration, and discovery.
• Conduct ongoing child assessments using the GOLD by Teaching Strategies assessment system to monitor progress and inform instruction, tailoring your teaching approach to meet the unique needs of each child.
• Develop and maintain strong family partnerships through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, progress updates, and family engagement activities, recognizing the critical role parents play in their child’s educational journey.
• Document children’s developmental growth, learning milestones, and classroom observations accurately and consistently, providing a clear picture of each child’s progress and informing future instructional decisions.
• Collaborate with the First Steps 4K instructional coach to support continuous classroom improvement and instructional excellence, driving program quality and student outcomes.
• Participate in required professional development, training sessions, and coaching opportunities to strengthen teaching practices, stay current with best practices, and enhance program effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate program documentation, including attendance records, assessments, incident reports, and compliance paperwork, ensuring seamless program operations and minimizing administrative burdens.
• Elevate school readiness by supporting children’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth in preparation for kindergarten success, providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field OR a Bachelor’s degree in any field with at least 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• Must be enrolled in, or willing to enroll in, a teacher education program within four years of employment if certification requirements have not been met.
• Previous experience working in early childhood education settings is preferred.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage families, collaborate with team members, and build positive relationships.
• Passion for supporting school readiness, child development, and high-quality early childhood education.
• Previous 4K, Pre-K, Head Start, or state-funded preschool classroom leadership experience is preferred.
• Teaching certification or progress toward certification is highly preferred.
• Must successfully pass a background check and meet all requirements for working with young children.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and continuous learning, including completion of required annual professional development hours.

Nice to Have

Preferred Qualifications – First Steps 4K Lead Teacher

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field, with a strong foundation in child development, curriculum design, and instructional strategies.

• Training or certification in Creative Curriculum and GOLD by Teaching Strategies assessment system, ensuring proficiency in assessment and data analysis.
• Coursework or professional training in special education, inclusion practices, or early intervention, equipping you to support children with diverse needs.
• 2+ years of experience in early childhood education, particularly with children ages birth to five, with a focus on developing high-quality, research-based curriculum and instructional practices.
• Experience working with at-risk children, diverse populations, or Title I settings, allowing you to adapt instruction and meet the needs of a diverse range of learners.
• Leadership experience in early childhood education settings, with a proven track record of driving program quality and student outcomes.
• Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish preferred), enabling you to engage with families and build strong partnerships.

Specialized Skills

• Experience with family engagement, parent communication, and community partnerships, ensuring seamless collaboration and program promotion.
• Training in behavior management strategies, such as Conscious Discipline or PBIS, to create a positive and supportive classroom environment.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care practices and supporting children with special needs, recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence and well-being.
• Strong technology skills, including educational apps, classroom management systems, and digital communication tools, to enhance instructional practices and support student learning.

Assessment & Curriculum Expertise

• Familiarity with ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale) and developmental screening tools, such as ASQ-3 or DIAL-3, to inform instructional decisions and monitor child progress.
• Experience collecting and analyzing child progress data to guide instructional planning, tailoring teaching approaches to meet individual needs.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction, play-based learning, and social-emotional learning curricula (e.g., Second Step, Zones of Regulation), promoting a love of learning and student engagement.

Professional Leadership & Growth

• Completion of SC Endeavors training hours or similar early childhood professional development, ensuring a commitment to continuous learning and program excellence.
• Participation in professional learning communities, conferences, workshops, or advocacy efforts related to early childhood education, fostering growth and a sense of community.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to continuous improvement and program excellence, driving quality and student outcomes.

Personal Attributes

• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse children and families, recognizing the value of a multicultural approach to education.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit, enabling seamless communication and partnership building with families, coaches, and colleagues.
• Positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a growth mindset, driving a love of learning and a commitment to professional growth and development.

Technical Competencies

• Experience using MyTeachingStrategies, ChildPlus, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar data and classroom management systems, enhancing instructional practices and supporting student learning.
• Ability to use technology for family communication, progress monitoring, and classroom documentation, streamlining program operations and minimizing administrative burdens.

Community Engagement

• Familiarity with First Steps Partnerships and South Carolina early childhood networks, recognizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement.
• Established connections within the local early childhood education community, fostering partnerships and driving program quality.

These preferred qualifications will help candidates transition smoothly into the role, contribute immediately to program quality, and support long-term success for children and families.

Benefits