Lead Teacher
About Children of America (COA)
Join Children of America - a nationally accredited preschool with 65+ locations across 18 states. As a Lead Teacher, you will work alongside a talented team of educators in a supportive environment where you are encouraged to grow professionally and share your passion for early childhood education. Our programs serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp. Our culture encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work, because your unique perspectives and experiences make our team stronger.
Who You'll Interact With
This role interacts daily with children, parents, management, and teaching staff to support a collaborative and positive learning environment.
Minimum Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education
- A minimum of 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare setting
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Must meet all state licensing requirements
- Strong organizational and decision-making skills
- Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
- Flexible and adaptable in challenging situations
- Commitment to professional growth
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Carry out daily lesson plans
- Auxiliary in creating a safe, structured, and positive learning environment
- Communicate professionally with parents, children, and team members
- Utilize technology to document and deliver child progress reports
- Exhibit empathy toward children's emotions and parents' needs
- Present age-appropriate expectations for children
- Be creative, passionate, and engaged in your work
- Lead classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum
Our Shared Mission & Values
- Accountability: Take responsibility, learn from mistakes, and uphold COA's mission and values
- Collaboration: Align solutions that meet stakeholder needs
- Growth Mindset: Treat challenges as opportunities for learning and growth
- Integrity: Make decisions ethically and consider their impact on all stakeholders
- Consistency: Ensure continuity of care and clear expectations for children and families
Benefits
- Internal career advancement opportunities
- 50% employee childcare discount
- Educational assistance and T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships
- Employee referral bonuses and recognition programs
- Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident, disability
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Compensation
Hourly rate: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour. Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity.
Job Description Compliance
The listed responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation range reflect the essential functions and expectations of the role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity. Children of America is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.