First Steps 4K Lead Teacher Small Impressions Child Development Center

Job Description

Job Description
Summary

Join Our Mission to Transform Early Childhood Education!Small Impressions Child Development Center is seeking a passionate and qualified First Steps 4K Lead Teacher to join our team in delivering South Carolina's premier state-funded four-year-old kindergarten program. Make a lasting impact on school readiness while advancing your career in early childhood education.
Lead a dynamic 4K classroom serving 10-20 at-risk four-year-olds in a comprehensive, research-based program focused on early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. This full-time position offers exceptional professional development opportunities, dedicated coaching support, and competitive compensation backed by state funding.
What Makes This Position Special!Meaningful ImpactTransform lives by preparing at-risk children for school successBreak cycles of poverty through high-quality early educationBuild strong foundations in literacy and social-emotional developmentSupport families in their children's educational journey

Duties

Key ResponsibilitiesClassroom Leadership

• Plan and implement research-based curriculum aligned with SC Early Learning Standards
• Create engaging lesson plans covering language/literacy, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and social-emotional development
• Maintain learning centers for dramatic play, blocks, art, science, literacy, and mathematics
• Conduct ongoing assessments using GOLD® by Teaching Strategies system
• Adapt instruction for children with special needs and diverse learning styles

Family Engagement

• Conduct parent-teacher conferences three times annually
• Maintain regular communication with families about child progress
• Participate in family events and parent education opportunities
• Document child development and share progress with parents

Professional Excellence

• Collaborate with First Steps 4K coach for continuous improvement
• Participate in required training and professional development
• Maintain accurate records including attendance, assessments, and incident reports
• Support program compliance with all state regulations and guidelines

Requirements

Essential QualificationsEducation Requirements (Multiple Pathways Available)Minimum Requirement:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• OR Bachelor's degree (any field) with 6+ credit hours in ECE/Child Development
• Must be enrolled in or willing to enroll in a teacher education program within 4 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education
• Teaching certification or progress toward certification
• Previous experience in early childhood education settings

Professional Requirements

• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or obtain within 90 days)
• Clean background check and ability to work with children
• Strong communication skills for family engagement and team collaboration
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (15+ hours annually required)

Nice To Haves

Advanced Education Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education
• Teaching certification or active progress toward certification
• Creative Curriculum training
• GOLD® by Teaching Strategies assessment experience
• Special education coursework or inclusion training

Professional Experience

• 2+ years in early childhood education (birth to 5 years)
• 4K or Pre-K classroom leadership experience
• Experience with at-risk populations or Title I settings
• Head Start or state-funded program background
• Student teaching or practicum in early childhood settings

Specialized Skills

• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish preferred but not a must)
• Technology proficiency with educational apps and classroom management systems
• Family engagement expertise
• Behavior management training (Conscious Discipline, PBIS, etc.)
• Trauma-informed care knowledge and practices
• Early intervention experience or special needs support

Assessment Curriculum Expertise

• ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale) familiarity
• Developmental screening experience (ASQ-3, DIAL-3)
• Data collection and analysis for child progress monitoring
• Differentiated instruction strategies
• Play-based learning implementation
• Social-emotional curriculum (Second Step, Zones of Regulation)

Professional Development Leadership

• SC Endeavors training hours already completed
• Conference attendance or presentation experience
• Professional learning community participation
• Early childhood advocacy involvement

Personal Attributes

• Cultural competency and experience with diverse families
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing program needs
• Strong organizational skills for documentation and compliance
• Creative lesson planning abilities
• Collaborative spirit for working with coaches and colleagues
• Growth mindset toward continuous improvement

Technical Competencies

• ChildPlus or similar data management systems
• MyTeachingStrategies platform experience
• Microsoft Office or Google Workspace proficiency
• Social media savvy for family communication and program promotion
• Photography skills for portfolio documentation

Community Connections

• Local early childhood network participation
• First Steps Partnership familiarity

These "nice to have" qualifications would help candidates:

• Start with confidence in the state-funded program requirements
• Connect quickly with families and community partners
• Contribute immediately to program quality and compliance
• Grow into leadership roles within the organization
• Support program expansion and continuous improvement efforts

Benefits

What We OfferExceptional Benefits Package

• $350 annual teaching supplies reimbursement
• 90 hours of FREE professional development annually
• Dedicated First Steps 4K coach for ongoing support and mentoring
• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance and paid time off
• Holiday closure compensation for qualified staff (July 4th and Christmas weeks)
• Performance-based bonuses up to $500 for ABC Quality excellence
• Competitive Salary
• Flexible Work Hours
• Health Benefits
• Paid Time Off 7 Holidays
• Employee Retirement Plan
• PTO
• Bonuses
• Monthly employee perks

Professional Growth Opportunities

• Research-based curriculum training (High/Scope, Creative Curriculum, or Montessori)
• GOLD® by Teaching Strategies assessment certification
• Leadership development through statewide First Steps network
• Pathway to advanced teacher certification with education support
• Career advancement opportunities within our growing organization

State-of-the-Art Resources

• Technology integration with age-appropriate educational tools
• Comprehensive curriculum resources and learning materials
• Outdoor playground designed for 4-year-old development

Supportive Environment

• Small Impressions values work-life balance and staff well-being
• Collaborative team committed to quality early childhood education
• Performance-based compensation that rewards excellence
• Clear pathways for career advancement and professional growth