Lead Educator

The Role

The Lead Educator at Yellow Brick Road is responsible for creating a nurturing and positive learning environment that supports the holistic development of young children.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement weekly play-based, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children.
• Create a positive classroom culture that fosters a sense of belonging, safety, and curiosity.
• Observe and assess the development and progress of each child and use this information to tailor instruction and support individual learning needs.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of child progress and development.
• Establish and maintain a positive and respectful classroom culture where children feel safe, supported, and valued.
• Manage classroom behavior effectively, using positive reinforcement and guidance techniques.
• Provide daily communication through the company’s Parent Communication app with parents and families to update them on their child's daily progress, activities, and development.
• Collaborate with parents and families to support their child's individual learning and development at school and home.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to enhance teaching skills and stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
• Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to share ideas, resources, and best practices.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience working with young children in a licensed early childhood education setting.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, which may include standing or sitting for extended periods, lifting and carrying young children and classroom materials, bending, stooping, and kneeling to interact with children at their level, and responding quickly to emergencies or situations requiring physical intervention.
• Willingness to undergo background checks and meet state licensing requirements for working in a childcare setting.
• Must be able to make the commute to the assigned school.
• Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Must be able and willing to perform physically demanding work, such as lifting, carrying, kneeling, crouching, etc., and up to 65 lbs.
• Must have initiative and a “can do!” attitude.
• Maintain a flexible and open-minded mindset.
• Must be able to regularly use technology such as Microsoft Office, online lesson planning, and daily reporting.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred, but not required. Relevant work experience in early childhood education is necessary.
• Background Checks: Must pass background checks and meet state licensing requirements for working in a childcare setting.

Skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical stamina and ability to lift and carry young children and classroom materials.

Benefits

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• Monday - Friday Schedule – No Weekends!
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

The starting pay range for this position is $15 to $17 an hour and is applicable for candidates who will be working at our locations in Iowa. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Yellow Brick Road considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.