Lead Early Childhood Teacher – Remote Opportunity with Child Development Schools (McDonough, GA) – Immediate Start, Competitive Salary
About Child Development Schools – A Legacy of Excellence in Early Learning
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in the vibrant tech hub of Austin, Texas, Child Development Schools (CDS) has grown into one of the nation’s most trusted providers of early childhood education. Operating more than 260 childcare centers across 11 states, we serve over 30,000 children ranging from six weeks to twelve years old. Our three distinguished brands—Childcare Network, Sunrise Preschools, and My Small Wonders—share a common mission: to give every child a solid, joyful start in life through high‑quality care, purposeful curricula, and nurturing relationships.
At CDS we believe that early learning is both an art and a science. Our proprietary, research‑backed curriculum blends play‑based discovery with intentional teaching strategies, ensuring that each child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development is supported in a holistic manner. As a member of our team, you’ll be part of a community that values innovation, continuous improvement, and the profound impact that caring educators have on the next generation.
Why This Role Matters – The Lead Teacher’s Impact
The title of Lead Teacher is more than a job—it is a leadership position that shapes the daily experiences of a classroom’s worth of young learners, their families, and the broader centre team. As a Lead Teacher, you will serve as the primary role model for instructional excellence, classroom management, and family partnership. You will craft a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment where curiosity flourishes, and you will mentor assistant teachers, student teachers, and paraprofessionals to grow in their own practice.
Key Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Every Day
- Classroom Environment: Design, organize, and maintain a clean, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom that reflects our curriculum standards and safety protocols.
- Curriculum Implementation: Deliver daily lesson plans rooted in our science‑based curriculum, tailoring activities to meet the diverse developmental needs of each child.
- Family Communication: Conduct daily or weekly check‑ins with families, sharing observations, progress, and recommendations to foster strong home‑school connections.
- Parent & Community Engagement: Initiate and coordinate parent‑involved events, workshops, and community outreach activities that deepen family involvement and enhance the centre’s reputation.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Follow all licensing, accreditation, and internal policies, including daily health checks, USDA nutrition standards, and emergency procedures.
- Nutrition & Meal Preparation: Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals and snacks that comply with federal and state guidelines, while encouraging healthy eating habits.
- Documentation & Reporting: Accurately record attendance, developmental assessments, portfolios, and required agency documentation to support compliance and continuous improvement.
- Team Collaboration: Partner with centre directors, fellow teachers, and support staff to achieve enrollment targets, accreditation goals, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Professional Development: Lead reflective practice sessions, mentor staff, and model lifelong learning by participating in training and staying current with industry best practices.
Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring
- Passion for Early Childhood Education: A genuine love for nurturing young minds and a deep understanding of child development principles.
- Experience or Certification: Minimum of 1–3 years of classroom teaching experience with children ages 2‑5, or a completed Early Childhood Education certification. (If you lack certification, we will support you in obtaining it.)
- Education: High school diploma or GED is required; an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field is highly preferred.
- Background Check: Ability to successfully pass a state‑required criminal background investigation and meet all licensing standards.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to interact effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
- Positive Attitude & Adaptability: Demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a solutions‑oriented mindset in dynamic classroom environments.
Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent certification.
- Experience with STEM‑infused early childhood curricula or dual‑language instruction.
- Proficiency in using digital documentation tools (e.g., Brightwheel, Procare) for daily reporting.
- Evidence of prior mentorship or leadership roles within an early childhood setting.
- Training in Special Education or experience supporting children with diverse learning needs.
Core Skills & Competencies – Tools for Success
- Classroom Management: Ability to create structured yet flexible routines that promote independence and self‑regulation.
- Curriculum Design: Skill in adapting lesson plans to align with developmental goals and individual child interests.
- Observation & Assessment: Proficiency in conducting informal assessments and documenting child progress accurately.
- Family Engagement: Strategies for building trust, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative partnerships with families.
- Team Leadership: Capability to motivate, coach, and inspire team members toward shared objectives.
- Health & Safety Awareness: Knowledge of sanitation, nutrition, and emergency protocols specific to early childhood settings.
Career Growth Opportunities – Your Path at CDS
Child Development Schools is committed to investing in its people. As a Lead Teacher, you will have clear pathways to advance your career, including:
- Program Coordinator – Oversee multiple classrooms, lead curriculum implementation, and support centre directors.
- Centre Director – Manage the overall operation of a centre, influence strategic planning, and drive enrollment growth.
- Regional Trainer or Coach – Provide professional development to teachers across the network, sharing best practices and innovative techniques.
- Higher Education Partnerships – Pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree with tuition assistance, positioning yourself for administrative or educational specialist roles.
Our robust internal promotion culture ensures that dedicated educators can rise from classroom roles to senior leadership positions while staying within the supportive CDS family.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits – What We Offer
- Competitive Salary – Aligned with market rates and reflective of your experience and expertise.
- Flexible Remote Work – Perform your teaching duties from the comfort of your home while staying connected to the centre’s community.
- Health Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contributions.
- Paid Time Off – Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave to support work‑life balance.
- Retirement Savings – 401(k) plan with company match to help you build a secure financial future.
- Professional Development – Free access to online training, certifications, and continuing education resources.
- Education Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for accredited programs related to early childhood education.
- Childcare Discounts – Up to 50% off tuition for your own children at participating CDS centres.
- Employee Recognition Programs – Awards and incentives that celebrate outstanding performance and dedication.
Our Culture – A Community of Caregivers and Innovators
At CDS, we cultivate a culture that blends professionalism with compassion. Our core values—Integrity, Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact—guide everything we do. You will find:
- Collaborative Environment: Teams share ideas, resources, and support, ensuring that every child receives the highest quality of care.
- Commitment to Diversity: We embrace educators and families from all backgrounds, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where every voice is heard.
- Continuous Learning: Regular workshops, webinars, and peer‑learning circles keep you at the forefront of early childhood best practices.
- Recognition of Well‑Being: Access to mental‑health resources, wellness challenges, and a supportive leadership team that prioritizes your personal health.
Application Process – How to Join Our Team
Ready to make a lasting impact on young learners while advancing your own career? Follow these simple steps:
- Submit Your Resume – Highlight your teaching experience, certifications, and any leadership roles.
- Complete the Online Application – Provide a brief cover letter describing why you are passionate about early childhood education and how you embody the Lead Teacher role.
- Initial Screening – Our talent acquisition team will review your materials and reach out to schedule a virtual interview.
- Interview Stages – Expect a combination of behavioral and scenario‑based questions, plus a brief demonstration of your teaching philosophy.
- Offer & Onboarding – Successful candidates will receive a formal offer, followed by a comprehensive onboarding program that includes mentorship, technology training, and familiarization with our curriculum.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Child Development Schools prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind, ensuring a welcoming workplace for everyone.
Take the Next Step – Apply Today!
If you are a warm‑hearted, innovative educator eager to lead a classroom of curious minds, we want to hear from you. Join a network that values your expertise, invests in your growth, and celebrates the transformative power of early childhood education.
Apply Now – Click Here to Submit Your Application
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