LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Jan 16, 2026 - The Lead Preschool Teacher oversees child care programs, applying strong child-development knowledge and engaging effectively with diverse children, families, and staff. This role requires supervisory experience, excellent communication, creativity, computer skills, physical stamina, emotional composure, and the ability to follow and apply program guidelines in a safe, alert environment. The teacher also works dependably as a team member, maintains consistent attendance, and responds swiftly to emergencies and challenging situations.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Lead Preschool Teacher Resume
  • Curriculum Planning
  • Lesson Planning
  • Child Observation
  • Child Assessment
  • Classroom Safety
  • Classroom Organization
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Program Management
  • Developmental Screening
  • Record Keeping
  • Parent Communication
  • Classroom Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Team Collaboration
  • Professional Conduct
  • Behavior Guidance
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Staff Leadership
  • Creative Thinking
  • Family Engagement

Summary of Lead Preschool Teacher Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Early Childhood Education with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience in an early childhood setting with preschool-aged children.
  • Be devoted to the care, growth, and support of all children and families.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and implement a developmentally appropriate preschool program.
  • Be comfortable creating curriculum and have a strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices.
  • Ability to design and manage the classroom environment.
  • Ability to conduct child assessments and parent conferences.
  • Ability to work directly with families and collaborate with the preschool staff as part of a cohesive team.
  • Ability to work with the preschool director to incorporate the school’s values and mission in the classroom.
  • Ability to manage communication with families, such as newsletters, emails, or daily updates.
  • Ability to provide direct supervision to teachers’ aides and parent volunteers working in the classroom.
  • Be flexible, responsible, and self-motivated.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Be organized, professional, and dependable.
  • Be coachable and willing to participate in professional development and team building.
  • Be open to collaboration and work well with others.

2. BS in Child Development with 4 years of Experience

  • Professional child care experience.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
  • High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
  • Strong understanding of child development.
  • Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
  • Must clear a full background check and must pass a health screening.
  • Ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools, or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels.
  • Ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision, and depth perception.
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Previous lead teacher experience
  • Experience with Parent Engagement App

3. BA in Human Development & Family Studies with 6 years of Experience

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish.
  • Experience as a preschool teacher
  • Experience in a management position supervising staff
  • Experience working effectively in diverse, multilingual communities of staff and participants.
  • Strong collaborative and self-directed, with the ability to work well in teams and independently.
  • Confident and respectful classroom management skills and approach.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including listening skills.
  • Professional ethics of confidentiality, discretion, and good judgment.
  • Proficiency with the full Microsoft suite and experience with database useful.
  • Experience working in a remote workspace, with the agility to move from on-site to remote.

4. BS in Elementary Education with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience as a coordinator or supervisor of child care programs.
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Possess knowledge and understanding of the developmental stages of a child.
  • Proficient in computer skills.
  • Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) while maintaining alertness for long periods of time.
  • Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
  • Must be able to interpret, adopt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
  • Must be creative and enthusiastic with staff and program participants.
  • Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills with families, children, and other staff.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
  • Ability to maintain emotional control and composure in turbulent, challenging, and changing conditions.
  • Must be a team player, dependable, detail-oriented, maintain high personal morale performing job functions, meet deadlines, and maintain prompt and regular attendance.

5. BA in Psychology with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in a school setting.
  • Proficient technological skills to utilize various productivity tools (i.e., Outlook email, Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS, internet use, timekeeping systems, ProCare Engage)
  • Excellent understanding of the principles of child development and teaching methods
  • Possess strong knowledge of MSDE regulations
  • Possess a personal demeanor that is warm, friendly, and cool-tempered
  • Extremely reliable in attendance and punctuality
  • Must be highly organized and able to prioritize and multitask
  • Must be team-oriented and willing to work with others
  • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, including grammar and reading skills
  • Ability to meet the minimum preparation and experience for certification as an Early Childhood Education Teacher (CDA).
  • Ability to comply with all state education and licensing standards and maintain validation of credentials for the position (i.e., professional development).