The Early Childhood Teacher is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing developmentally appropriate and spiritually enriching programs for children in a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment. This role ensures compliance with state licensing requirements, the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal service procedures, and Lionheart Children’s Academy policies, while fostering positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
Classroom Duties
- Plan and deliver daily activities that support spiritual, social, emotional, and academic development, integrating Bible stories, prayer, and Christian values in age-appropriate ways.
- Supervise children by sight and sound at all times in accordance with licensing standards and required ratios; complete daily health checks.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and age-appropriate learning environment; follow sanitation and Safe Sleep practices.
- Use varied instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Track attendance, developmental milestones, and classroom routines consistently.
Regulatory & Compliance Duties
- Follow all state licensing regulations, NAC accreditation standards, and Lionheart policies.
- Support compliance with the CACFP by following meal service procedures
- Maintain all state and Lionheart-required trainings and certifications, including completion of pre-service and annual training requirements by due dates.
Family Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with families through daily communication.
- Share developmental milestones, learning progress, and spiritual growth updates.
- Respond promptly and professionally to family concerns.
Team & Academy Responsibilities
- Collaborate with co-teachers and floaters to ensure smooth classroom operations.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and academy events.
- Assist with housekeeping, laundry, and restocking supplies as needed.
- Demonstrate flexibility to serve across different age groups when needed.
- At least 18 years of age and a high school diploma or GED certificate required
Previous experience working with/caring for children preferred
Must meet all teacher qualifications as stated in the Minimum Standards for child care centers in Tennessee, which includes maintaining First-Aid and CPR certification during employment as well as completing ongoing licensure training hours through the state of TN.
Competencies
- Spiritual Maturity – Commitment to biblical living. An ambassador of Jesus Christ, living a whole life that glorifies God as we pursue our mission of making Him known.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Professional Knowledge: Demonstrates an understanding of the curriculum and the developmental needs of the children by providing relevant learning experiences.
- Instructional Planning: Plans, supervises, and implements the programs for the class in accordance with the Academy Director.
- Learning Environment: The teacher uses resources, routines, and procedures to provide a respectful, positive, safe, student-centered environment that is conducive to learning.
- Professionalism: The teacher maintains a commitment to professional ethics, communicates effectively, and takes responsibility for and participates in professional growth that results in enhanced student learning.
