CHILDRENS LEARNING CENTER - Acting Lead Teacher (Rotational Assignment)

Job Classification

  Hourly Full-time (35-40)

Position summary

The Crayon Box Children’s Learning Center is seeking a dependable, organized, and collaborative Acting Lead Teacher for a temporary rotational assignment from August through February. The Acting Lead Teacher will serve in extended classroom assignments, typically several weeks to a month at a time, providing consistent leadership in each assigned classroom before transitioning to the next. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong classroom management, flexibility, communication, and leadership while supporting children and mentoring staff. This full-time position is Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. with a daily lunch break. Successful performance may lead to consideration for a permanent Lead Teacher position.

Qualifications summary

• At least 19 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.


• Minimum one year of experience in early childhood education.


• Required early childhood coursework, classroom training, or MiRegistry-approved professional development.


• Strong classroom management, organization, and communication skills.


• Knowledge of child development and licensing requirements.


• Dependable, professional, and passionate about working with children.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

The Acting Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining an organized, well-managed classroom that supports learning through consistent routines, structure, and clear expectations. This role provides temporary classroom leadership in multiple age groups as assigned, ensuring continuity of care, effective staff supervision, and high-quality classroom operations. Strong classroom management, flexibility, time management, and leadership are essential.

Key Responsibilities

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  Lead with structure and consistency: Implement the established daily schedule and teacher-prepared lesson plans, ensuring routines, learning experiences, meals, rest, and transitions run smoothly and consistently.
  


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  Maintain an organized classroom: Keep the classroom clean, orderly, and prepared throughout the day. Manage time, materials, and routines effectively to create a calm, engaging, and productive learning environment.
  


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  Provide classroom leadership: Supervise and support assistant teachers, student workers, and volunteers by assigning tasks, modeling expectations, and maintaining consistent classroom practices.
  


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  Ensure children's health and safety: Maintain active supervision at all times, follow all health and safety procedures, and respond appropriately to children's needs indoors and outdoors.
  


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  Support daily operations: Assist with meals, snacks, classroom cleaning, dishwashing, organization, documentation, and other daily responsibilities to ensure efficient classroom operations.
  


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  Promote positive behavior: Establish clear expectations, use positive guidance techniques, and foster a respectful, nurturing classroom environment.
  


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  Model professionalism: Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, initiative, effective communication, and adherence to all Crayon Box policies, procedures, and confidentiality expectations.
  


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  Comply with licensing requirements: Follow all Crayon Box, university, local, state, and licensing regulations while maintaining accurate records and required documentation.
  


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  Collaborate with the leadership team: Work closely with the Director, classroom staff, and families to ensure continuity of care during each rotational assignment and perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the program.
  


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  Communicate effectively: Demonstrate strong oral and written English communication skills when interacting with children, families, staff, and administration.
  

Supervisory responsibilities

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  May serve as the Staff in Charge whenever the Director is not on the premises, ensuring smooth operations and professional communication with parents, staff, and visitors, including licensing representatives.
  


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  Independently manage the classroom, maintaining structured routines, safety, and engagement when additional support staff or co-teachers are absent.
  


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  Provide leadership and guidance to assistant teachers, student workers, and volunteers, modeling best practices in classroom management and child supervision.
  


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  Ensure active supervision of all children at all times, indoors and outdoors, promoting their safety, development, and well-being.
  


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  Maintain a positive learning environment that reflects The Crayon Box’s mission, values, and commitment to structured, play-enhanced learning.
  


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  Uphold and enforce all Crayon Box policies, procedures, and licensing requirements in every supervisory and instructional capacity.
  

Qualifications

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  Must be at least 19 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.
  


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  Minimum 1 year of experience working in an early childhood education center or Education/ECE classes.
  


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  Completion of MiRegistry-approved training in the following areas:
  
  
  
  
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    3 hours each in Program Management, Observation, Documentation, and Assessment, and Teaching and Learning
    
  
  
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    6 hours total in any of the following: Interactions and Guidance, Challenging Behaviors, or Trauma-Informed Practices
    
  
  
  
  


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  Demonstrated excellence in classroom management, including maintaining structure, establishing clear expectations, and creating a calm, consistent learning environment.
  


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  Strong time management skills with the ability to balance instructional blocks, transitions, and daily routines efficiently.
  


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  Excellent understanding of child development and preschool educational methods.
  


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  Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and licensing guidelines for classrooms.
  


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  Clear, professional communication and instructional skills.
  


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  Ability to act as a mediator between children and guide positive behavior choices.
  


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  Warm, friendly, and dependable personality with sensitivity to the needs of children, families, and staff.
  


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  Ability to lead and support a team, providing direction and accountability in a respectful, collaborative manner.
  


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  High level of energy, accuracy, and efficiency in both indoor and outdoor environments.
  


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  Consistently punctual, organized, and reliable, demonstrating professional responsibility and follow-through.
  


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  Must share our passion for children and display a genuine love for kids.
  


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  Willingness to uphold and reflect the center’s philosophy and mission in all actions and interactions.
  

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

N/A

Interpersonal interactions

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  Positive Role Model: Demonstrates Christ-like behavior, showing kindness, patience, and respect to children, families, and co-workers.
  


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  Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with teachers, assistants, student workers, and administrators to create a supportive environment.
  


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  Respectful Communication: Speaks and listens with warmth and professionalism, even in challenging situations.
  


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  Engaging with Children: Builds nurturing relationships through encouragement, active listening, eye contact, and supportive presence.
  


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  Partnership with Parents: Maintains professional, confidential, and positive communication with families about their child’s day.
  


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  Conflict Resolution: Handles differences with patience, discretion, and problem-solving, seeking leadership guidance when needed.
  


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  Encouragement and Support: Uses positive reinforcement to foster joy, cooperation, and teamwork in the classroom.
  


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  Professional Boundaries: Maintains confidentiality and appropriate boundaries in all interactions.
  


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  Sensitivity and Inclusion: Respects and supports diverse backgrounds, cultures, and individual needs with empathy.
  


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  Christ-Centered Commitment: Creates and maintains a faith-filled, supportive environment aligned with the center’s mission.
  

Physical demands

The usual and customary methods of performing this position require the following physical demands:

• Frequent physical activity, including significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling


• Regular stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing


• Fine motor skills and significant finger dexterity for tasks such as assisting with children’s activities and materials


• Ability to safely lift and carry young children as needed

The general physical expectations for this role include:

• 5% sitting


• 25% walking


• 70% standing

The work is performed in an early childhood classroom environment which may involve:

• Exposure to temperature fluctuations (indoor/outdoor transitions, playground supervision)


• Potential exposure to childhood illnesses and minor injuries typical of working with young children

Staff members are expected to maintain physical stamina, flexibility, and awareness to ensure a safe and engaging environment for all children in their care.

Work environment

The teacher works primarily in an early childhood classroom and outdoor play setting, engaging actively with children throughout the day. The role involves frequent movement, participation in play and learning activities, and maintaining a positive, nurturing environment.

The work environment may include exposure to cleaning products, bodily fluids, and common childhood illnesses. Teachers are responsible for maintaining clean, organized, and safe classroom and playground areas, including light housekeeping such as washing dishes, sanitizing toys, and tidying shared spaces.

All duties must be performed in accordance with The Crayon Box’s health, safety, and supervision policies and state licensing regulations.