HORIZON EDUCATION CENTERS·Elyria, Ohio
The Lead Teacher is responsible for preparing and implementing daily lesson plans while maintaining a clean, safe, and supportive learning environment. They must also supervise children, document progress through assessments, and build positive relationships with families and staff.
Schedule: Full-time Day shift
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.
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.
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.
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.
Candidates must hold a current CDA and have experience in a preschool classroom setting. An associate degree or higher in early childhood education is preferred, along with familiarity with Ohio Early Learning Content Standards.
Market context
In Ohio, preschool lead teacher roles are commonly driven by ongoing demand for experienced early childhood staff who can support classroom routines and child development. This role is competitive because employers often prefer a current CDA, value an associate degree or higher in ECE, and need candidates who can meet physical requirements and pass background and medical screenings. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your CDA, preschool experience, and readiness to lift 40 lbs before applying.