Lead Teacher (Infant/Toddler) – POPI Childcare
POPI Childcare is seeking a qualified and motivated Lead Teacher to support high-quality early learning in accordance with MSDE licensing and credentialing requirements. This role is essential in creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, and academically. As a Lead Teacher, you will take primary responsibility for classroom instruction, supervision, and compliance, while working collaboratively with families, administrators, and support staff to ensure positive outcomes for all children.
Responsibilities
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with MSDE Early Learning Standards, including literacy, math, physical development, and social-emotional learning.
- Serve as the primary instructional lead in the classroom, ensuring curriculum consistency, classroom structure, and daily routines meet licensing standards.
- Manage classroom behavior using positive guidance strategies consistent with POPI’s philosophy and MSDE regulations.
- Support children with diverse learning needs by implementing individualized supports, accommodations, or IFSP/IEP recommendations in collaboration with specialists and families.
- Conduct ongoing child observations and assessments to track progress and guide instruction, maintaining required documentation for licensing and program monitoring.
- Collaborate with administrators, therapists, and support professionals to promote children’s holistic development and ensure compliance with service plans.
- Maintain accurate records including lesson plans, attendance, assessments, incident reports, and family communication logs as required by MSDE.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with families through consistent, respectful communication regarding child development and classroom expectations.
- Mentor assistant teachers and model best practices in classroom management, professionalism, and child engagement.
Experience & Qualifications
- Meets MSDE Lead Teacher qualification requirements, including required credentials, coursework, or approved equivalencies. (90 Hr (Infant /oddler), CDA , AA (ECE), or Bachelors in Education , 9 hour Communication Training, Americans with Disability Act Training, Basic and Safety Training and Breast Feeding )
- Prior experience working as a Lead Teacher or primary classroom teacher in a licensed early childhood setting.
- Strong understanding of child development, classroom management, and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Experience supporting children with special needs, developmental delays, or behavioral challenges preferred.
- Ability to follow licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, and POPI’s operational policies.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with families, colleagues, and administrators.
- Familiarity with curriculum frameworks, assessment tools, and early learning pedagogies is a plus.
Why Join POPI Childcare
At POPI, Lead Teachers are valued as professionals and instructional leaders. We are committed to maintaining MSDE compliance while fostering a collaborative, supportive workplace where educators are respected, supported, and empowered to grow.
Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
