SC Lead Teacher

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Paid time off
• Training & development

SC First Steps 4K Lead Teacher

Location: The Learning Experience – Mt. Pleasant, 407 Faison Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

Program: South Carolina First Steps 4K (CERDEP)

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Based on education and experience

The Learning Experience (TLE) – Mt. Pleasant partners with South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness to deliver high-quality, free 4K education through the Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP), commonly known as First Steps 4K.

First Steps 4K serves eligible four-year-old children at no cost to families and is co-administered by SC First Steps in private preschool settings. Through this partnership, TLE provides a nurturing, standards-aligned learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten success while supporting families and strengthening school readiness statewide.

The SC First Steps 4K Lead Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous classroom environment that supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of four-year-old children. The Lead Teacher plans and implements instruction aligned with the SC Early Learning Standards, First Steps 4K requirements, and TLE’s L.E.A.P.® curriculum to ensure students are fully prepared for kindergarten.

• Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field AND enrollment in or completion of a teacher education program within four years.
• Minimum of six months experience in a licensed childcare or early learning setting.
• Ability to pass SLED background check and DSS Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect.
• Two professional references familiar with work history.
• Preferred:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

• Develop and implement weekly lesson plans aligned with SC Early Learning Standards, First Steps 4K approved curriculum, and TLE’s L.E.A.P.® Program.
• Use child observations, assessments, and progress monitoring to individualize instruction.
• Prepare students for successful transition into five-year-old kindergarten.
• Maintain documentation required for First Steps monitoring and compliance.

• Maintain a classroom that meets SC DSS licensing regulations, First Steps 4K program requirements, and TLE health and safety standards.
• Participate in First Steps site visits, monitoring, and audits as required.
• Ensure accurate attendance, enrollment, and child record documentation.

• Build strong partnerships with families through regular communication, family engagement activities, and support of attendance and school readiness goals.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

• Attend all required SC First Steps trainings, DSS licensing trainings, and TLE professional development.
• Complete all required continuing education hours annually.
• Demonstrate ongoing growth in early childhood best practices.

• Work collaboratively with Assistant Teachers, Center Leadership, and First Steps Program Coordinators.
• Support center-wide quality improvement and accreditation goals.

• Be part of a state-supported, high-impact early education initiative.
• Serve children who benefit most from early learning access.
• Receive ongoing training through both TLE and SC First Steps.
• Join a mission-driven, professional early childhood education team.
• Make a lasting difference in school readiness for South Carolina children.