Eightcap Inc·Cato Township, Michigan
The Lead Teacher plans and implements a high-quality, play-based preschool program for three-year-old children. They are responsible for creating a safe, nurturing environment and monitoring developmental progress through assessments and family collaboration.
HS 01-04 ($22.80 - $24.08 - $25.33 - $26.60) Hours: 40/week Work Weeks: 41-44/year (school year) Department: Strong Beginnings Reports To: Head Start/Early Head Start Director Positions Supervised: Strong Beginnings Associate Teacher, Strong Beginnings Center Assistant Mission Statement EightCAP, Inc., improves our community by collaborating with private, government, and community organizations to deliver programs that alleviate the causes of poverty and its effects, allowing individuals to become self-sufficient. Role Overview The Strong Beginnings Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate preschool program for three-year-old children participating in the Strong Beginnings Preschool Program. The Lead Teacher creates a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes children's cognitive, language, physical, social-emotional, and creative development while preparing children for future success in preschool and kindergarten. Key Responsibilities Curriculum Implementation: Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that support the growth and development of three-year-old children across all developmental domains. Classroom Environment: Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that promotes positive relationships, active learning, and school readiness. Assessment and Individualized Instruction: Implement Creative Curriculum and utilize ongoing child assessment data to individualize instruction, monitor children's progress, and inform lesson planning. Family Engagement: Establish positive partnerships with families through regular communication, conferences, family engagement activities, and collaboration to support children's learning and development. Social-Emotional Development: Promote children's social-emotional growth by using positive behavior guidance strategies and fostering independence, self-regulation, problem-solving, and peer relationships. Health, Safety, and Supervision: Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children by maintaining active supervision and complying with all licensing regulations, program requirements, and Agency and district policies, as applicable. Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with the Associate Teacher, support staff, specialists, and community partners to provide comprehensive services and support children with diverse learning needs. Documentation and Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including attendance, lesson plans, child assessments, developmental observations, and other required program records. Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development, staff meetings, quality improvement activities, and required program monitoring to strengthen instructional practices. Program Compliance: Maintain compliance with all Strong Beginnings Program requirements, licensing regulations, and Agency and district policies and procedures, as applicable. Emergency Preparedness: Be familiar with emergency procedures in order to respond effectively in the case of an emergency. Perform Other Duties as Assigned.
A valid Michigan teaching certificate and an Early Childhood Education (ZA) or Early Childhood-General and Special Education (ZS) endorsement, or Birth-K endorsement OR a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or child development with a specialization in preschool teaching. Ability to communicate effectively and positively and work collaboratively with staff, families, Agency representatives, service providers, and community organizations in a respectful, professional, and non-judgmental manner. Understanding of mandated reporting requirements, including the ability to recognize, document, and report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with state law and program procedures. Demonstrated leadership skills in supervising other adults. Must successfully complete all required state and federal background clearances. Work Environment This position operates primarily within a Strong Beginnings preschool classroom setting. This role requires regular interaction with children, families, staff, and community partners in a fast-paced early childhood education environment. The employee may be exposed to noise levels typical of a preschool classroom and will participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions as part of daily program operations. Travel Requirements Local travel to training locations, meetings, and community events may be required. The employee must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation available for work-related travel. Physical Requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. The physical requirements of this position include: Ability to move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program facilities. Ability to supervise and actively engage with children in indoor and outdoor environments. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed throughout the workday. Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds occasionally. Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, medical flex, and a 401k with a 5% employer match on your one-year anniversary. Benefits begin on your 31st day of employment. Staff in this position may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits during periods of layoff, in accordance with state unemployment regulations. Employment At-Will Statement This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employment with EightCAP, Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, consistent with applicable law. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement EightCAP, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.
Requires a valid Michigan teaching certificate with specific early childhood endorsements or a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Candidates must pass background clearances and possess a valid driver's license.
Market context
In Michigan, classroom teacher openings often reflect steady demand for educators who can cover multiple sites and schedules, especially when programs run in schools, parks, and other community settings. These roles can be competitive because employers look for candidates who can travel, work morning, early afternoon, and weekend shifts, and adapt quickly to different classrooms. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your availability and travel radius before applying.
