Little Lights Learning Center is a faith-based early learning center serving children ages 1–5 in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. As a ministry of High Praise, we believe childcare should be more than simply watching children while their parents work. Our goal is to intentionally teach, encourage, and care for each child while helping them grow socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually. What makes Little Lights different is our commitment to creating a Christ-centered environment where children are known, loved, and given opportunities to learn through purposeful play, structured routines, age-appropriate curriculum, and meaningful relationships with their teachers. We are building a team of educators who genuinely enjoy working with young children, value teamwork, communicate well with families, and want to make a lasting difference during some of the most important developmental years of a child's life.

Classroom: Bright Beams, Ages 2–3

Classification: Lead Teacher

Reports To: Director and Assistant Director

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday

Typical Shift: Approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, subject to center staffing needs

Position Summary

The Bright Beams Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, loving, structured, and engaging classroom environment for children approximately 2–3 years of age. This classroom includes children who are actively developing independence in areas such as communication, social-emotional skills, self-help skills, and potty training.

The Lead Teacher must be patient, consistent, attentive, and comfortable actively assisting children through the toilet-learning process while maintaining a positive classroom environment.

As a faith-based learning center, Little Lights seeks teachers who will model Christ-like character and help create an environment where children are loved, encouraged, and taught with patience and purpose.

Essential Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership

• Provide consistent leadership and structure within the Bright Beams classroom.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Establish predictable classroom routines and transitions.
• Create a warm, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.
• Maintain appropriate classroom behavior expectations using positive guidance techniques.
• Work collaboratively with assistants and floaters assigned to the classroom.
• Communicate classroom needs and concerns to the Director or Assistant Director.

Teaching & Curriculum

• Implement the center's approved curriculum and lesson plans.
• Provide intentional, age-appropriate learning experiences rather than simply supervising children.
• Encourage language development, early learning skills, creativity, social interaction, and independence.
• Incorporate the Christian mission and approved faith-based curriculum of Little Lights into the classroom.
• Prepare classroom materials and learning activities as needed.
• Participate in curriculum planning and provide feedback regarding the developmental needs of the classroom.

Potty Training & Personal Care

Because Bright Beams serves children in the potty-training stage, the Lead Teacher must be willing and able to actively participate in toilet learning throughout the day.

Responsibilities include:

• Taking children to the restroom according to their individual needs and classroom routine.
• Encouraging children positively throughout the potty-training process.
• Responding patiently and appropriately to accidents.
• Assisting with clothing changes when necessary.
• Maintaining appropriate hygiene and sanitation procedures.
• Communicating relevant potty-training progress or concerns to families.

Working cooperatively with parents to encourage consistency between home and school.

Health, Safety & Supervision

• Maintain continuous awareness of children's location and activities.
• Follow all center health, safety, sanitation, and emergency procedures.
• Follow appropriate handwashing, toileting, cleaning, and disinfecting procedures.
• Complete required incident documentation accurately and promptly.
• Immediately report injuries, safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, or other significant concerns according to center policy.
• Maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.
• Follow all applicable center policies regarding child guidance, food safety, allergies, pickup procedures, and supervision.

Family Communication

• Greet families professionally and warmly.
• Provide appropriate daily information regarding children's experiences and needs.
• Communicate concerns respectfully and promptly.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and employees.
• Refer significant parent complaints, disputes, or sensitive concerns to center leadership.

Professional Expectations

• Arrive on time and maintain dependable attendance.
• Maintain professional communication with coworkers and leadership.
• Participate in required staff meetings and training.
• Complete required childcare credentials and continuing education.
• Follow Little Lights policies and procedures.
• Accept coaching and participate in performance evaluations.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Demonstrate flexibility and teamwork when center needs require temporary assistance outside the assigned classroom.

Qualifications

Preferred

• Previous experience working in a licensed or structured childcare setting.
• Experience working with children ages 2–3.
• Experience with potty training and toddler classroom routines.
• Florida childcare credentials and required DCF training.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Previous Lead Teacher or classroom management experience.

Required

• Ability to successfully complete all required background screening.
• Ability to complete required DCF training and childcare credentials within the timeframe established by Little Lights.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required CPR/First Aid certification.
• Reliable attendance and transportation.
• Ability to safely supervise and physically assist young children throughout the workday.
• Willingness to assist with toileting, accidents, cleaning, and other personal-care needs associated with children ages 2–3.
• Ability to support and work within the Christian mission and values of Little Lights Learning Center.

Physical Requirements

The position regularly requires the ability to:

• Sit and work at children's level.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, kneel, squat, and reach.
• Assist children with toileting and personal care.
• Lift or assist young children when necessary.
• Respond quickly to situations involving child safety.
• Participate in indoor and outdoor classroom activities.

Performance Expectations

Successful performance in this position means the Bright Beams classroom is:

• Safe and appropriately supervised.
• Structured without being overly rigid.
• Loving and emotionally supportive.
• Actively teaching children throughout the day.
• Consistent in potty-training routines.
• Clean and organized.
• Communicating effectively with families.
• Operating independently without requiring frequent intervention from center administration.

The Bright Beams Lead Teacher is expected to take ownership of the classroom while working collaboratively with Little Lights leadership and support staff.