Thompson Child & Family Focus·Charlotte, North Carolina
The Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for providing direct supervision and safety for children while implementing age-appropriate curriculum. They also manage classroom operations, maintain regulatory compliance, and foster positive relationships with families.
Description Get to know Thompson!
Thompson was founded in 1886 as an orphanage and has grown into an organization operating across the Carolinas, Florida Tennessee and Kentucky. Thompson’s continuum of care encompasses three domains: prevention, mental health services and foster care. All Thompson programs are trauma-informed and evidence-based/evidence-informed with the intention of building resilience in our clients (ages 0-18) and their families, both virtually and in person. Our values are Excellence, Innovation, Commitment, Caring and Integrity.
As a Preschool Lead Teacher in the Early Childhood department, you will be responsible for: Direct Service and Supervision: Lead Teachers provide direct service and supervision to children in their classroom, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Curriculum Implementation: They adapt direct service to meet individual needs within the structure of an overall curriculum and prepare appropriate materials in advance to successfully implement daily plans.
Professional Development: Lead Teachers assume responsibility for their personal professional development, assist in the development of personal goals, complete continuing education requirements, maintain accurate professional development files, and serve on professional committees.
Team Collaboration: They contribute to a positive team culture through their actions, attitude, and communication, and work effectively with staff, children, and families.
Classroom Management: Lead Teachers manage a structured and routine classroom, maintain cleanliness, order, and state of repair, and replenish supplies.
Health and Safety: They maintain a healthy and safe environment, follow health and safety procedures, and engage in activities such as toileting, diaper changing, hand washing, and health checks.
Parent Communication: Lead Teachers foster positive relationships with families, communicate daily with parents, and convey problems and concerns to the Director.
Regulatory Compliance: They understand and adhere to regulations for working in a five-star early childhood center, including knowledge of Environmental Rating Scales, NC Foundations, and DCDEE childcare requirements.
Arriving on time and preparing to engage with the children, planning and implementing age-appropriate activities that meet the developmental needs of each child, supervise other staff members, ensuring everyone is aligned with the day's plans and activities, serve as a role model, setting positive examples for both the children and the staff.
Maintaining a healthy and safe environment, which includes following health and safety procedures and ensuring the cleanliness and order of the classroom.
Individualize instructions to meet each child's unique needs.
Foster positive relationships with the families, communicating regularly to keep them informed about their child's progress and any concerns.
Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and follow the center's policies and procedures.
$17.42 -19.47 Hourly Fantastic Full-time benefits… 3 weeks paid time off (PTO) first year plus 10 paid holidays! Health, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life insurance options 401K Match Education Reimbursement Referral Bonus Clinical Supervision Reimbursement of $60 for eligible candidates obtaining licensure Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through FAFSA after 10 years of service Eligibility to apply for the state loan repayment program that repays up to $50,000 of student loans Paid time off for volunteering in the community Free EAP services Mileage Reimbursement iPhone and Laptop provided for eligible roles Multiple opportunities for growth
Minimum Qualifications/Requirements: Associate’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent and 2 years of experience with Birth-5 years of age. Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field preferred. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome training. Knowledge of Environmental Rating Scales. Division of Child Development and Early Education regulations a plus.? All potential job candidates must pass a drug screening test, and an extensive background check is required. You’re the right fit for the Preschool Lead Teacher position if… · You have a passion for working with youth & adolescents · You enjoy knowing you’re making an IMPACT on the lives of others · EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, COMMITMENT, CARING, AND INTEGRITY are important to you
If your qualifications meet the requirements of the job and you want to be part of a winning culture, don’t delay! Apply at thompsoncff.org where we are strengthening Children, Families, and Communities!
Thompson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Thompson participates in E-Verify
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Market context
In North Carolina, classroom teacher roles tied to autism support often reflect steady demand in schools and related programs, especially for candidates who can work consistently with children and follow structured support plans. These roles can be competitive because employers look for reliability, transportation, a valid driver’s license, and readiness to complete paid RBT training. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm the schedule, setting, and training expectations before applying.