Join Learning Grove, a premier nonprofit early childhood education provider serving Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for over 40 years. Our centers, renowned for their beautiful, high-quality, home-like classrooms, nurture children ages 6 weeks through 6 years. As an Early Childhood Education Lead Teacher, you will design and implement innovative, developmentally appropriate curricula that foster intellectual, social-emotional, physical, and language growth. Using the principles of Constructivist Theory and promoting child-led play, you'll help co-create each child’s learning journey alongside parents and our dedicated team. Learn more about our mission and values at Learning Grove.

Job Requirements

• Education & Certification:
  • Minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) is required; an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.
  • Completion of a State Approved Orientation for Child Care Providers, with daily implementation supported by the Director/Assistant Director.

• Experience & Skills:
  • Demonstrated experience working with young children, including effective classroom management using positive redirection, problem-solving, and active listening.
  • Ability to design and implement lesson plans that promote discovery, curiosity, and school readiness.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to foster collaborative relationships with families, colleagues, and community partners.
  • Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity, with a proven track record of maintaining confidentiality in all professional interactions.

• Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift objects up to 20 pounds.
  • Reasonable accommodations are available to support individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Insurance:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Coverage

• Financial and Retirement Plans:
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan

• Work-Life Support:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Paid Professional Development Days
  • Free child care for eligible Kentucky employees

• Career and Educational Growth:
  • Structured career growth plans and on-the-job training with top-tier coaching support
  • Access to free and reduced college tuition, including scholarship opportunities for Kentucky residents (e.g., up to $750 per semester for participants in the CDA program at Cincinnati State)

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development & Instruction:
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate a quality curriculum that addresses the intellectual, social-emotional, physical, and language needs of each child.
  • Utilize assessment data to tailor learning plans and support individual developmental goals.

• Classroom Management:
  • Manage daily classroom operations including scheduling, transitions, and organization of learning materials to create a stimulating and safe environment.
  • Employ the Constructivist Theory and positive redirection to foster a child-centered learning atmosphere.

• Family and Community Engagement:
  • Establish and nurture trusting relationships with families, actively involving them in setting developmental goals for their children.
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication with parents and colleagues to ensure a cohesive learning community.

• Professional Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with lead teachers, center directors, and in-house coaches to continuously improve classroom practices and maintain high-quality standards as recognized by Ohio and Kentucky’s rating systems.

Salary

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Compensation packages vary between full-time and part-time roles, aligning with industry standards in early childhood education.

Why Join Us?
At Learning Grove, quality education is more than a goal—it's our foundation. We provide an inspiring work environment where top talent in early childhood education is nurtured and celebrated. Our commitment to professional growth, comprehensive benefits, and a culture of inclusivity and innovation ensures that every team member is empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. Recognized as a top workplace by the Cincinnati Enquirer for three consecutive years, Learning Grove offers you the opportunity to advance your career while being part of a community that values collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning.

Similar Job Titles

• Lead Preschool Teacher
• Early Childhood Lead Educator
• Pre-K Lead Instructor
• Classroom Lead – Early Childhood
• Head Teacher – Early Childhood Education
• Early Learning Center Director

If you are passionate about shaping young minds and eager to join a leading organization dedicated to excellence in early childhood education, apply today and become a vital part of the Learning Grove family!