Preschool Lead Teacher

Lead Preschool Teacher

Good to Grow Learning Center | Kittery, Maine
Full-Time | Monday–Friday

Job Overview

Good to Grow Childcare is seeking a passionate, experienced, and emotionally invested Lead Preschool Teacher to join our team. This position is for someone who believes early childhood is not just “babysitting” — it is the foundation of who children become.

At Good to Grow, we believe children deserve to feel safe, valued, respected, included, and deeply supported during the most important years of their development. We are looking for a teacher who shares our philosophy that relationships, emotional safety, connection, and developmentally appropriate expectations matter just as much as academics.

The ideal candidate is warm, engaging, patient, energetic, and highly observant. They understand that young children learn best through play, connection, consistency, and meaningful experiences. This role requires someone who can create a classroom environment that balances nurturing support with strong leadership, structure, and professionalism.

As a Lead Preschool Teacher, you will play a major role in helping shape children’s confidence, emotional regulation, social development, independence, and love of learning during their early years. We are looking for someone who genuinely loves working with children, values teamwork, communicates respectfully, and wants to be part of a center that prioritizes both child safety and teacher support.

Our Philosophy

At Good to Grow, we believe:

• Childhood should be protected.
• Children deserve loving, accepting environments where they feel emotionally safe.
• Early experiences directly impact brain development, self-worth, relationships, and future success.
• Teachers are not just caregivers — they are trusted adults helping shape a child’s view of themselves and the world around them.
• Safety, supervision, emotional connection, and respect are non-negotiable.
• Children thrive when adults work as a team and approach behavior with understanding, consistency, and developmentally appropriate expectations.

We are seeking someone who not only has experience and education in early childhood, but who genuinely aligns with these values and approaches their work with heart, professionalism, and purpose.

Responsibilities: Classroom Leadership & Teaching

• Create and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and classroom experiences.
• Foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through play-based learning.
• Maintain a warm, safe, organized, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Lead daily routines, transitions, group activities, outdoor play, meals, and rest periods effectively.
• Support kindergarten readiness through literacy, math, science, art, sensory exploration, and hands-on learning experiences.
• Encourage independence, problem-solving, creativity, and positive peer interactions.

Child Development & Behavior Support

• Build strong, responsive relationships with children and families.
• Observe and assess children’s developmental progress and individual needs.
• Utilize positive behavior guidance techniques rooted in emotional regulation, connection, and consistency.
• Support children through developmental challenges with patience and understanding.
• Maintain strong supervision and classroom awareness at all times.

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate professionally and compassionately with families regarding milestones, classroom experiences, and concerns.
• Collaborate closely with co-teachers, administration, and support staff.
• Contribute positively to overall center culture and team morale.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Licensing & Professional Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Maine childcare licensing regulations and center policies.
• Maintain classroom cleanliness, organization, and documentation requirements.
• Prioritize child safety, health, and wellbeing in all aspects of the day.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field) required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a preschool or licensed childcare setting preferred.
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience with classroom management and positive behavior support.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Passion for early childhood education and a genuine love for working with children.

The Right Fit for This Position

This position is best suited for someone who:

• Views teaching as meaningful, important work.
• Is emotionally attuned, patient, and nurturing while also maintaining structure and boundaries.
• Understands the importance of protecting children emotionally and physically.
• Values teamwork, accountability, and professionalism.
• Can remain calm, flexible, and positive in a fast-paced environment.
• Wants to be part of a center culture focused on growth, compassion, safety, and connection.

Why Join Good to Grow?

At Good to Grow Childcare, we deeply value the teachers who care for our children each day. We recognize the enormous responsibility of caring for “other people’s babies,” and we strive to create a supportive environment where teachers feel respected, appreciated, and empowered.

If you are passionate about early childhood education and want to be part of a team that truly cares about children, families, and each other, we would love to hear from you.

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Early childhood education: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Kittery, ME 03904 (Required)

Work Location: In person