Description

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Lead Teacher

Xiente | Philadelphia, PA 19122
Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person
Pay: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour

Lead a Classroom. Inspire Young Learners. Shape the Future.

Xiente is seeking a passionate, experienced, and dedicated Lead Teacher to join our Early Childhood Education team.

This is more than a teaching position. It's an opportunity to lead a classroom where children develop the academic, social-emotional, and foundational skills necessary for lifelong success.

As a Lead Teacher, you will play a vital role in creating a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment while partnering with families and colleagues to support every child's growth. We are looking for educators who are committed to excellence, value collaboration, and believe in the power of high-quality early childhood education.

Why Join Xiente?

• Make a meaningful impact during the most important years of a child's development.
• Lead a classroom where learning, creativity, and exploration are celebrated.
• Work alongside dedicated Early Childhood Education professionals.
• Receive ongoing professional development, coaching, and training opportunities.
• Build meaningful partnerships with children, families, and your community.
• Join an organization committed to educational excellence and family empowerment.
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Center Director, the Lead Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for preschool-aged children.

The Lead Teacher plans and implements high-quality learning experiences, assesses child progress, promotes school readiness, and collaborates with families and support staff to ensure positive outcomes for every child.

This position is ideal for an experienced educator who possesses strong classroom leadership skills, a deep understanding of child development, and a passion for helping young children thrive.

Educational Requirements (Required)

Candidates Must Possess:

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education, Human Development, Family Studies, or a closely related field with coursework focused on young children.

Candidates who do not possess a qualifying bachelor's degree will not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership & Child Development

• Create a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Foster positive relationships with children to support confidence, independence, and social-emotional growth.
• Implement developmentally appropriate practices that support the whole child.
• Establish clear expectations and positive behavior-support strategies.
• Maintain consistent routines and effective classroom management practices.
• Provide individualized support based on children's developmental, educational, and behavioral needs.
• Ensure classrooms remain organized, clean, safe, and welcoming.

Curriculum & Instruction

• Utilize Creative Curriculum to develop and implement engaging lesson plans and educational experiences.
• Align instruction with Pennsylvania Learning Standards and the Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF).
• Create hands-on learning opportunities that support: 
  • Early Literacy
  • Language Development
  • Mathematics
  • Science & Discovery
  • Social Studies
  • Problem Solving
  • Creative Arts
  • Fine Motor Development
  • Gross Motor Development
• Utilize assessment information and child interests to individualize instruction.
• Promote school readiness through meaningful, play-based learning experiences.
• Maintain classroom environments that support NAEYC, Keystone STARS, ECERS, and CLASS quality standards.

Child Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct ongoing observations and developmental assessments.
• Complete Teaching Strategies GOLD checkpoints and progress monitoring requirements.
• Analyze assessment data to support individualized learning plans.
• Complete required developmental and social-emotional screenings.
• Maintain accurate and confidential child records, portfolios, and documentation.
• Complete all required reports and data entry within designated timelines.

Individualized Support & Inclusion

• Support children with varying developmental abilities and learning needs.
• Implement strategies outlined within IEPs, IFSPs, and intervention plans.
• Adapt lessons and classroom practices to support individual learning goals.
• Collaborate with support staff and specialists to ensure children receive appropriate services and accommodations.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and classroom support planning.

Family Engagement

• Build strong, respectful, and culturally responsive relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly regarding children's development, progress, and classroom experiences.
• Conduct required parent-teacher conferences and program visits.
• Encourage family involvement in classroom and program activities.
• Partner with Family Advocates and program staff to support child and family success.
• Address family concerns professionally and collaboratively.

Compliance & Program Quality

• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Keystone STARS requirements, NAEYC standards, licensing regulations, and organizational policies.
• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and program information.
• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and supervision procedures.
• Monitor classroom quality and implement continuous improvement practices.
• Support program-wide school readiness and child outcome goals.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field required.
• Experience teaching preschool-aged children in a childcare center, preschool, Head Start, Pre-K, or similar Early Childhood Education setting.
• Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience developing and implementing lesson plans and educational activities.
• Knowledge of classroom assessments, observations, and individualized instruction.
• Experience supporting children with diverse developmental and learning needs.
• Strong classroom management and leadership abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, colleagues, and support staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pennsylvania teaching certification or Early Childhood Education certification.
• Experience in Head Start, Pre-K Counts, preschool, childcare, or other early learning programs.
• Experience utilizing Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Familiarity with CLASS, ECERS, Keystone STARS, and NAEYC standards.
• Experience working with IEPs, IFSPs, and inclusion practices.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are welcomed but are not required.
• CPR and First Aid certification.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate:

• Is passionate about Early Childhood Education.
• Brings strong classroom leadership and instructional skills.
• Creates warm, engaging, and inclusive learning environments.
• Believes every child can succeed when given the right support.
• Demonstrates professionalism, patience, creativity, and flexibility.
• Builds strong relationships with families and colleagues.
• Maintains high standards for learning, safety, and program quality.
• Enjoys mentoring young children during critical developmental years.
• Is committed to continuous learning and professional growth.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development Opportunities

Work Location

Philadelphia, PA 19122 In PersonReliable attendance and the ability to consistently work the assigned schedule are essential functions of this role.

Join Our Mission

At Xiente, our work extends beyond the classroom. We are committed to supporting children and families while creating opportunities that strengthen our communities.As a Lead Teacher, you will have the opportunity to inspire young learners, lead a high-quality classroom, and help children develop the confidence, skills, and curiosity needed for future success.If you hold a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and are passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and thrive, we encourage you to apply today.Xiente is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing high-quality educational experiences for children and families