Preschool Lead Teacher

Join Our Nature-Inspired Preschool Team!
Woodlands Day School is looking for a warm, creative early childhood educator to lead a small, play-based classroom for ages 2.5 - 5 years old. Our teachers spend their days outdoors exploring, creating, and connecting — with the flexibility and support of a small, family-oriented program.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and lead age-appropriate, play-based lessons and activities aligned with our monthly nature-inspired themes and curriculum framework.
• Facilitate outdoor learning sessions and play several times a day all year round, barring extreme temperatures or unsafe weather conditions.
• Foster a nurturing classroom environment that promotes belonging, safety, exploration, and joy.
• Observe and document children’s development and learning through informal assessments and anecdotal notes.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with caregivers about children’s progress, needs, and daily experiences.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers to create a cohesive and consistent classroom experience.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment, ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols.
• Teach/support potty training in the classroom if needed.
• Build strong routines and procedures for the classroom including: transitions, snack/lunch routines, outdoor play, and classroom setup/cleanup
• Participate in team meetings, professional development, and occasional school events or family nights.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma
• Certificate in Early Childhood Education or related field AND/OR 3+ years of experience as a Lead Teacher in a licensed preschool or early childhood setting
• Deep understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
• Strong classroom management skills grounded in positive discipline and respect
• CPR and First Aid certified (or willing to obtain before start date)
• Ability to lift 30 lbs, sit on the floor, and be active with young children

Preferred:

• Associates Degree or higher in Early Childhood education or related field and 2+ years experience as a Preschool or PreK Lead Teacher
• Familiarity with emergent curriculum, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or Waldorf-inspired approaches
• Experience with mixed-age groups
• Enthusiasm for outdoor learning and nature-based experiences

What We Offer

• Competitive pay
• Paid planning time
• Tuition discount
• Annual professional development reimbursement
• Paid Holidays
• New Years Day
• MLK Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• 401K plan
• PTO

What to Expect Next...

We review applications weekly and reach out within 48-72 hours to schedule a quick phone or Zoom conversation should you meet the qualifications for the position and seem like a good fit. After that, we’ll invite you to visit the school for an onsite working interview if there seems to be a fit.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to sit, stand, walk for 30 minutes at a time to supervise and actively engage with children?

Experience:

• Lead Teaching: 2 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Quinton, VA 23141 (Required)

Work Location: In person