General Purpose
The GSRP Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, assessing, and supporting high-quality, developmentally appropriate inclusive PreK programming for children enrolled in the PreK for All | Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). The Lead Teacher provides an inclusive, play-based, child-centered learning environment aligned with the GSRP Implementation Manual, MiLEAP Child Care Licensing Rules, and the Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Birth to Kindergarten.
The GSRP Lead Teacher works collaboratively with the classroom and center teaching teams, families, Early Childhood Specialist, Early Childhood Administrator, related service providers, district/building partners, and other NC RESA staff to support positive child outcomes, strong family partnerships, program quality, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Must meet current GSRP Lead Teacher credentialing requirements upon hire, unless otherwise approved through a written compliance plan in accordance with current GSRP guidance and NC RESA procedures.
- Minimum qualifications include one of the following, as recognized by current MiLEAP/GSRP guidance:
- Valid Michigan teaching certificate with an approved early childhood endorsement, such as ZA, ZS, ZN, ZO, or another endorsement recognized for GSRP Lead Teachers; or
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or child development with a specialization in preschool teaching; or
- Bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a valid Preschool CDA; or
- Another credential or approval recognized by current MiLEAP/GSRP guidance for the role of GSRP Lead Teacher.
- Must meet applicable MiLEAP Child Care Licensing requirements for the role, including the requirement to serve as Center Director/Program Director when assigned or required by the license.
- Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate practice, inclusive preschool programming, family partnerships, authentic assessment, and positive child guidance.
- CPR and First Aid certification required per licensing and NC RESA procedures.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to work as a member of a team and contribute to the agency vision, goals, and culture.
- Able to demonstrate confidentiality and professional judgment in all matters.
- Positive leadership skills.
- Must complete and pass required criminal history checks.
Essential Duties (shall include, but are not limited to the following):
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based instruction aligned with the approved GSRP curriculum, the Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Birth to Kindergarten, NC RESA’s early childhood philosophy, and current GSRP requirements.
- Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, culturally responsive, and engaging classroom environment that supports children’s development across all domains.
- Implement all components of the daily routine with intentionality, including large group, small group, choice time, outdoor/physical activity, meals/snacks, rest time, transitions, and other classroom routines.
- Use positive, supportive, and developmentally appropriate child guidance practices that promote belonging, self-regulation, problem solving, independence, and positive relationships.
- Conduct ongoing observation, documentation, and authentic assessment of children using NC RESA’s approved child assessment system and procedures.
- Use child assessment data, developmental screening information, family input, and team collaboration to plan instruction, individualize supports, and monitor child progress.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records related to child progress, family contacts, attendance, required documentation, and program expectations.
- Build positive, respectful, and ongoing partnerships with families through regular two-way communication, individualized family contacts, family conferences, home visits, family engagement activities, and transition support.
- Collaborate with families, the Early Childhood Specialist, special education staff, related service providers, and other appropriate team members to support children’s access, participation, and progress in the general preschool environment.
- Participate in child-specific planning meetings, including IEP-related meetings when appropriate, and implement applicable accommodations, supplementary aids and services, supports, and strategies as outlined by the child’s team.
- Provide leadership within the classroom teaching team and support effective collaboration, shared planning, communication, and implementation of program expectations.
- Participate in coaching, classroom observation, feedback sessions, professional learning, staff meetings, data analysis, and other required program activities.
- Support classroom-level and program-level continuous improvement efforts.
- Maintain current knowledge of early childhood best practices, GSRP requirements, licensing expectations, NC RESA procedures, and applicable state/federal requirements.
- Coordinate classroom materials, supplies, inventory, and learning resources in accordance with NC RESA procedures.
- Follow all NC RESA policies, administrative guidelines, program procedures, licensing requirements, and applicable grant expectations.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Early Childhood Administrator, Early Childhood Contact, or designee.
- Predictable/reliable attendance.
