The Family Place·Dallas, Texas
The Lead Teacher provides nurturing, trauma-informed care and early childhood education to children in a shelter environment. They are responsible for planning developmentally appropriate activities, maintaining a safe classroom, and communicating progress to parents and program leadership.
In this position as Child Care Provider, you will provide nurturing, trauma-informed care and early childhood education to children living in The Family Place shelter, creating a safe, stable, and developmentally enriching environment during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. You'll plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities, teach foundational skills (colors, shapes, numbers, letters, and social skills), supervise daily care routines including toileting and mealtime, and maintain a clean, organized classroom that fosters exploration, creativity, and learning. Working collaboratively with child care assistants and the Program Director, you'll build trust with children through nurturing communication and consistent support while keeping detailed observation records and portfolios that track each child's progress and development. Communicate professionally with parents about their child's daily interactions and progress, consult with program leadership on concerns before involving families, and provide guidance and training to assistants and volunteers on classroom policies and procedures. Your role is foundational to children's healing, by providing consistency, safety, and love during their stay at The Family Place, you'll help them feel secure, supported, and hopeful about their future. If you have a genuine passion for early childhood development, understand trauma's impact on young children, bring creativity and patience to classroom management, and are committed to working in a mission-driven shelter environment serving vulnerable families, this is your opportunity to profoundly impact children's lives during their most critical moments. Key Responsibilities: Classroom Management Plans and implements weekly activity plans that are developmentally appropriate, including indoor, outdoor, and nature-based activities, while fostering imaginative play and creativity. Maintains classroom structure by following the Frog Street curriculum and sets expectations aligned with The Family Place guidelines. Teaches basic skills (colors, shapes, numbers, letters, and social skills) and observes children’s progress, keeping accurate assessment records and portfolios. Works collaboratively with the child care assistant to maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment, including sanitizing toys, preparing bottles/formula, and changing diapers as needed. Supervises and guides children during mealtime, toileting, handwashing, rest periods, and play activities to ensure safety and healthy routines. Arranges classroom spaces in engaging, age-appropriate ways that encourage exploration, experimentation, and learning. Provides nurturing, respectful communication that builds trust and promotes children’s social and emotional well-being. Supports children with daily care needs, including keeping clothes clean, faces washed, and shoes tied, while offering consistent encouragement throughout the day. Maintains consistent attendance by following The Family Place Child Development Center’s policies and procedures to ensure minimal disruption to classroom activities and student learning. Administration Consults with the Program Director about concerns/problems with the children before talking to the parents. Communicates professionally with parents regarding their child’s daily interactions, progress, and any incidents. Completes required documentation and logs, and ensures accurate record-keeping in the Integrated Tracking System. Provides guidance and training for child care assistants and volunteers on classroom policies and procedures. Professional Development Participates in all staff development activities, in-service trainings, and workshops. Complete all required training, including: 24 hours of pre-service training (8 hours before working with children, 16 hours within 90 days). 30 hours of annual training for licensing and NECPA compliance. Additional leadership and safety training as directed. Maintain certifications in Pediatric CPR, First Aid, and transportation safety. Other Duties: Performs other job-related duties as assigned.Qualifications BA/BS in a child-related field, or AA/AS in a child-related field + 1 year of child care experience, or CDA (Child Development Associate) credential + 2 years of child care experience. Licenses and Certifications: Valid Texas Driver’s License. Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (or obtained within 90 days). Clear TB skin test. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge and understanding of the Texas DFPS guidelines for daycare centers, Educational First Steps, and NAC accreditation standards. Knowledge and/or the ability to learn Frog Street Curriculum. Knowledge of domestic/family violence and the effects on children and families. Ability to supervise children at all times and follow child-care licensing guidelines to ensure the safety of the children. Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parents. Ability to work with children of all ages. Ability to plan, coordinate, and present material for a classroom. Ability to safely drive a Family Place vehicle to field trips, etc. Mental and Physical Duties: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; Visual acuity is required for child supervision. Repetitive stooping and bending with occasional lifting of light to medium loads is required. Ability to stand and walk for long periods at a time is required, as well as the ability to run and be able to participate in outside activities. Working Conditions: Ability to work in a busy and occasionally noisy environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once. As the Child Care Provider, you will have to supervise all children at all times; you may experience smells associated with toileting and children who are ill. Work may be performed, but is not limited to a classroom environment. Essential Personnel Designation: Non-essential employees will follow Dallas Independent School District (DISD) closure/delay decisions and are expected to work remotely or use PTO during inclement weather. Refer to The Family Place Inclement Weather Policy for complete details. More About US: At The Family Place, we embrace and live our values: TEAM Together: We believe that collaboration is key to our success. Foster a supportive environment, build trust, act with integrity, and expect transparent communication.
We are known for our compassion and commitment to excellence, acting with urgency, and advocating for our clients and community.
Competitive salary Health, dental, and vision insurance Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Multiple Life, AD&D, and Hospitalization in life insurance options Retirement options through: 403b, agency matching, and HSA accounts Generous paid time off and holidays Professional development opportunities Benefits referenced above for Full-Time employees This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The Family Place reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Employment at will.
Candidates must hold an Associate degree in a child-related field with one year of experience, or a CDA credential with two years of experience. A valid Texas driver's license and the ability to obtain Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification are required.
Market context
In Texas, classroom teacher roles in early childhood settings are often driven by steady demand for qualified educators who can meet licensing and safety requirements. This role is competitive because employers look for a CDA for infants/toddlers or an early childhood-related associate or bachelor’s degree, plus a positive, energetic approach and clean background checks. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your credential matches the age group before applying.