Benefits:
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Training & development
Tuition assistance
Wellness resources
Position Title: Lead Teacher
Reports To - Program Director / Site Director
Employment Type
☐ Full-Time ☐ Part-Time
Position Summary
The Lead Teacher at Little Scholars of Detroit is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality early childhood education program that promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children in a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment. The Lead Teacher provides leadership within the classroom, supervises assistant teachers and aides, ensures compliance with Michigan licensing regulations, and maintains positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
The Lead Teacher is expected to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Little Scholars of Detroit by fostering school readiness, family engagement, professionalism, and child-centered learning experiences.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Classroom Leadership & Instruction
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with: Creative Curriculum and/or HighScope Curriculum
Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality
GSRP Guidelines (if applicable)
Maintain a structured, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
Lead daily classroom routines including:
Use intentional teaching strategies to support language, literacy, math, science, social-emotional learning, and problem-solving skills.
Ensure children are actively supervised at all times.
Utilize positive behavior guidance and redirection techniques.
Conduct ongoing child observations and assessments including GOLD, COR Advantage, ASQ, or other assigned assessment tools.
Differentiate instruction to meet individual developmental needs.
Relevant Licensing Expectations Include:
Active supervision of children
Maintaining safe classroom environments
Accurate attendance records
Compliance with health and sanitation requirements
Proper child release procedures
Completion of required professional development and MiRegistry documentation
Classroom Environment Responsibilities
Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom.
Ensure learning centers are properly labeled, stocked, and rotated regularly.
Display current lesson plans, student work, schedules, and classroom documentation.
Ensure materials and equipment are safe, sanitized, and developmentally appropriate.
Support family-style dining and child independence routines.
Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities
Complete daily attendance and meal counts accurately.
Maintain lesson plans and classroom documentation weekly.
Submit required reports, assessments, and incident documentation on time.
Ensure child files and classroom records remain audit-ready and compliant.
Participate in licensing visits, classroom observations, and quality assurance reviews.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
CDA, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (based on classroom/program requirements)
GSRP experience preferred
CPR/First Aid Certification
Previous experience working in an early childhood classroom
Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
Ability to manage a classroom effectively
Strong communication and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively with families and staff
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, and actively engage with children
Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors
Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations