Bright Star Kids Academy was born from a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to building something truly special for families. What started as a dream has grown into two vibrant childcare centers serving the Buford and Midtown communities of Georgia.

With dedication and heart, our founder opened the first preschool with a vision to create a nurturing, high-quality environment where children could thrive. That vision quickly expanded, and today, Bright Star Kids Academy continues to grow and evolve—focused on excellence, family, and the developmental success of every child.

The Lead Toddler 1 Teacher is responsible for creating and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters growth in children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. This position requires leadership in classroom management, maintaining compliance with Georgia Bright from the Start (BFTS) and DECAL licensing standards, and creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment. The Lead Teacher serves as the primary educator in their assigned classroom, working closely with Assistant Teachers to deliver high-quality early childhood education aligned with BSKA's mission to educate, empower, and inspire children. This role requires strong communication with families, collaboration with center leadership, and commitment to continuous professional development.

This is a performance-driven position with clear expectations for classroom quality, child development outcomes, family engagement, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and professionalism while contributing to BSKA's reputation as a Quality Rated early learning provider.

Compensation$17- $20

Key Responsibilities

A. Curriculum & Instruction

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with Creative Curriculum and Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS)
• Create engaging learning experiences that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development
• Incorporate STEAM activities, Montessori-inspired principles, and play-based learning into daily routines
• Differentiate instruction to meet individual learning needs and developmental levels
• Maintain organized learning centers and age-appropriate classroom materials
• Integrate bilingual learning opportunities (English/Spanish) when applicable

B. Classroom Management & Child Safety

• Supervise children at all times, maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios as required by BFTS licensing
• Implement positive behavior guidance strategies and establish clear classroom expectations
• Create a safe, clean, and organized learning environment that meets health and safety standards
• Conduct daily health checks and maintain accurate documentation of injuries, incidents, and behaviors
• Follow emergency procedures and participate in monthly safety drills
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with Georgia mandatory reporter requirements

C. Family Communication & Engagement

• Communicate daily with families through the Playground app (photos, updates, meal logs, attendance)
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss child development and progress
• Respond promptly and professionally to parent questions and concerns
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with families to support children's learning at home
• Share developmental milestones, learning activities, and classroom updates regularly

D. Child Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct ongoing developmental observations and assessments using approved tools
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date child portfolios documenting growth and learning
• Track attendance, meal participation, and daily activities in Playground
• Identify children who may need additional support and collaborate with center leadership and families
• Complete required DECAL documentation and maintain compliance with record-keeping standards

E. Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor Assistant Teachers and provide constructive feedback
• Delegate classroom responsibilities and ensure Assistant Teachers are actively engaged in teaching
• Attend staff meetings, professional development training, and center events
• Collaborate with Center Director and Assistant Director on classroom operations and improvements
• Model professionalism, punctuality, and positive interactions with children, families, and staff

F. Compliance & Administrative Duties

• Ensure classroom is in compliance with BFTS and DECAL licensing regulations at all times
• Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification and complete required annual training hours
• Follow food program guidelines (CACFP) for meal service and documentation
• Complete timesheets accurately and submit by designated deadlines
• Participate in internal inspections and address any identified deficiencies promptly

Skills & Experience

Education & Credentials

• High school diploma or GED (required)
• CDA (Child Development Associate) credential or higher education in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Must meet Georgia Bright from the Start staff qualification requirements
• Pass comprehensive background check and fingerprinting

Professional Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development principles and age-appropriate practices
• Experience with Creative Curriculum, GELDS, or similar early learning frameworks (preferred)
• Previous lead teacher or supervisory experience in a licensed childcare center (preferred)

Technical & Communication Skills

• Proficiency with technology including smartphones, tablets, and childcare management apps (Playground)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for parent interaction and documentation
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred but not required)
• Ability to write lesson plans, developmental reports, and incident documentation

Personal Qualities & Soft Skills

• Genuine passion for early childhood education and child development
• Patient, nurturing, and responsive to children's needs
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Collaborative team player with leadership qualities
• Professional demeanor and commitment to high ethical standards
• Creative, flexible, and adaptable to changing classroom needs
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to consistent attendance

Reporting Structure & Accountability

Reports to:

Center Director and/or Assistant Director

Supervises:

Assistant Teachers and classroom volunteers

Collaborates with:

• Other Lead Teachers and teaching staff
• Administrative team and kitchen staff
• Next Gen ABA Therapy staff (for children receiving services) if applicable
• Families and community partners

Expectations & Working Conditions

Schedule

• Full-time schedule: Monday–Friday during center operating hours
• Shifts may vary based on center needs (typical range: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM)
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening events or staff meetings

Professional Requirements

• Complete mandatory annual training hours as required by BFTS
• Maintain current knowledge of early childhood best practices and Georgia regulations
• Uphold professional ethics and confidentiality in all interactions
• Support organizational culture focused on quality, family partnership, and continuous improvement