Lead Teacher (Preschool)

Job DetailsJob Location: Elyria Dewhurst Horizon Education Centers - Elyria, OH 44035Salary Range: $15.00 - $17.50 HourlyPreschool Lead Teacher

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

Dewhurst Childcare Center located at 10347 Dewhurst Rd in Elyria, Ohio

Pay

$15.00 - $17.50 per hour

Pay is based on education, experience, and OCCRRA Career Pathway Level.

Schedule

Full-time

Day shift

About the Role

As a 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 kindergarten readiness.

Provide high-quality interactions and learning experiences for 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.

For Head Start classrooms, complete required responsibilities such as home visits.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required

Current CDA credential.

Minimum OCCRRA Career Pathway Level 3 (other levels may be considered based on staffing needs).

Experience working in a preschool classroom setting.

Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

Ability to pass required background checks and medical screenings.

Reliable, punctual, and passionate about working with children.

Preferred

Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

Experience using Creative Curriculum.

Knowledge of Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards.

Ability to adapt to changing environments and classroom needs.

Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.

Employee Benefits

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

Virtual Health Care and Mental Health Care for year-round or seasonal employees, full-time or part-time 20+ hours a 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)

Why Join Horizon Education Centers?

Whether you are an experienced Preschool Teacher, Lead Teacher, Childcare Teacher, Daycare Teacher, Head Start Teacher, or Early Childhood Educator, Horizon Education Centers offers opportunities for professional growth, paid training, tuition assistance, and a supportive team environment.