Lead Child Care Teacher

LEAD TEACHER | ALL CLASSROOMS

Gold Creek Child Development Center | Downtown Juneau, Alaska

Are you an experienced Early Childhood Educator who is ready to take ownership of a classroom and make a lasting impact on the children and families you serve?

Gold Creek Child Development Center is looking for a caring, confident, dependable, and motivated Lead Teacher to join our team. We are looking for someone who is passionate about early childhood education, enjoys working as part of a team, and is excited to create a classroom where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

As a Lead Teacher, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of your classroom, develop meaningful curriculum, build strong relationships with families, and mentor the teachers working alongside you. We value teachers who bring their own ideas, creativity, and personality to the classroom while maintaining a strong foundation of developmentally appropriate practice.

WHAT WE OFFER

• $25-$32/hour, depending on experience and qualifications
• Potential for annual bonuses
• Paid Federal Holidays
• Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
• Winter Break & Spring Break Fully Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance Assistance
• Childcare Discount
• Paid Training & Professional Development
• Opportunities for continued education and career growth
• A supportive team environment that values work-life balance
• A workplace in the heart of downtown Juneau, within walking distance of coffee shops, restaurants, and nature trails

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Lead Teacher, you will:

• Take responsibility for the overall success, organization, and daily operation of your classroom.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children and their families.
• Create a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Plan and implement meaningful curriculum based on children's interests, developmental needs, and learning goals.
• Provide opportunities for children to explore areas including language and literacy, science, math and logical thinking, social-emotional development, art, music, movement, nutrition, and health.
• Observe children and use those observations to guide curriculum, activities, and individual support.
• Establish consistent classroom routines and help children successfully navigate transitions throughout the day.
• Use positive guidance and discipline strategies consistent with Center policies.
• Actively supervise children and maintain a safe and nurturing environment.
• Support children's personal care needs, including toileting, diapering, and hygiene routines.
• Communicate professionally and consistently with families regarding their children's experiences and development.
• Lead and collaborate with Assistant Teachers and other classroom team members.
• Model positive communication, professionalism, and teamwork.
• Provide guidance and support to classroom staff while creating a respectful and collaborative team environment.
• Maintain accurate classroom records and documentation as required.
• Follow NAEYC standards, Alaska childcare regulations, and Gold Creek policies.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and ongoing quality improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The ideal Lead Teacher is someone who is:

• Passionate about working with young children.
• Confident in their ability to lead a classroom and classroom team.
• Dependable, organized, and professional.
• Creative and willing to bring new ideas and activities to the classroom.
• A strong communicator who works well with both families and coworkers.
• Patient, flexible, and able to remain calm in a busy early childhood environment.
• Committed to creating a positive and inclusive classroom.
• Interested in continued professional growth and learning.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Meet the minimum requirements established by the State of Alaska for individuals providing childcare.
• Early Childhood Education coursework, CDA, degree, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Previous experience working in an early childhood classroom preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification and Alaska Food Handler Permit, or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Willingness to complete required and ongoing professional development.

WHY GOLD CREEK?

Gold Creek Child Development Center is a nonprofit childcare center located in the heart of downtown Juneau. We are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education while creating a workplace where teachers feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow.

We believe our Lead Teachers are an important part of what makes Gold Creek successful. You will have the opportunity to make decisions in your classroom, develop your own ideas, build meaningful relationships with families, and help shape the experiences children have every day.

Our team is supported by a dedicated Executive Director, Board of Directors, bookkeeping and accounting professionals, and a team of teachers who care deeply about the children and families we serve.

We also believe great teachers should have opportunities to continue learning. Paid training and professional development are provided, and we are committed to helping our teachers strengthen their skills, pursue additional Early Childhood Education qualifications, and grow within the field.

If you're ready to bring your experience, creativity, and leadership to a classroom where your work truly matters, we would love to hear from you.

HOW TO APPLY

Email your cover letter and resume to [email protected].

In your cover letter, please tell us:

• Why you are interested in working at Gold Creek Child Development Center.
• Why you believe you would be a good fit for our team.
• Your experience working with young children and/or leading a classroom.
• If you are currently located outside of Juneau, your willingness and ability to relocate and your potential start date.

Please use “Application for Lead Teacher” as the subject line.

Gold Creek Child Development Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Position open until filled.

Pay: $25.00 - $32.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Experience:

• Early childhood education: 2 years (Required)

Location:

• Juneau, AK 99801 (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person