Georgia Pre-K Teacher

Job Description

Job Description
About This Role

The Georgia Pre-K Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality educational program that promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children enrolled in the Georgia Pre-K Program. The teacher will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment while ensuring compliance with all requirements established by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), Bright from the Start, and the Georgia Pre-K Program.

What You'll Do

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS).
• Create and maintain a positive, safe, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Conduct ongoing observations and assessments to monitor student progress and development.
• Maintain accurate student records, portfolios, attendance, and assessment documentation.
• Develop weekly lesson plans and classroom activities that support school readiness skills.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Utilize positive behavior management techniques and active supervision at all times.
• Participate in parent conferences, family engagement activities, and center events.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, and Georgia Pre-K standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment.

Attend required professional development training and staff meetings.

Collaborate with assistant teachers and administrative staff to support program goals.

Requirements

Pre-K lead teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree, not related to Early Childhood Education (ECE) qualify for the lead teacher position if they also hold one of the following approved ECE credentials:

• Associates Degree with an ECE major (78 credit hrs.)
• Technical College Diploma (TCD) with an ECE major (57 credit hrs.)
• Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) with an ECE major (9 -15 credit hrs.)
• Montessori Teaching Diploma

o Montessori courses must be taken from an accredited affiliate of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE)

• Valid Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.

o Note: The following CDA credentials will not meet the CDA requirement for a lead teacher: Infant/Toddler CDA, Family Child Care CDA, Home Visitors CDA, and Military School-Age CDA. Teachers with an expired CDA or in the process of renewing an expired CDA will not meet the CDA requirement.

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required.
• Must meet all Georgia Pre-K Teacher credential requirements established by DECAL.
• Previous experience teaching preschool-aged children preferred.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of GELDS, child development, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and actively participate in classroom activities.

Nice To Haves

• Leadership and professionalism
• Effective classroom management
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Lesson planning and curriculum implementation
• Organization and time management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Commitment to children's learning and development

Benefits

• Paid Leave