Lead Teacher – Early Childhood Education

Hourly Rate: $16.00 – $19.00 per hour

50% Employee Childcare Discount | Career Growth | Educational Assistance | Comprehensive Benefits

At Children of America (COA), we believe great teachers make a lasting difference. As a Lead Teacher, you'll have the opportunity to create meaningful learning experiences, build strong relationships with children and families, and grow your career in a supportive early childhood education environment.

We're looking for passionate educators who enjoy working with young children and want to be part of a team where their work is valued.

What We Offer

• $16.00 – $19.00 per hour
• 50% employee childcare discount
• Career advancement and internal growth opportunities
• Educational assistance and T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships
• Employee referral bonuses and recognition programs
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, accident, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Professional development and continued learning opportunities
• Supportive leadership and collaborative teaching environment

Final compensation may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity. This position may also be eligible for performance-based incentives or additional benefits.

About Children of America

Children of America is a nationally accredited early childhood education organization with 65+ locations across 18 states.

Our programs serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, including:

Infant | Toddler | Preschool | Pre-K | Before & After Care | Summer Camp

We believe early childhood educators play an important role in shaping a child's first experiences with learning. Our teachers create classrooms where children feel safe, supported, encouraged, and excited to learn.

At COA, we encourage our employees to bring their whole selves to work. Your personality, creativity, experience, and ideas help make our schools stronger.

About the Lead Teacher Role

As a Lead Teacher, you'll take an active role in creating a positive and engaging classroom environment. You'll have the opportunity to build relationships with children, partner with families, and work alongside a team of educators who are committed to helping children learn and thrive.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early childhood educator who wants to make an impact while continuing to develop professionally.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily classroom activities and instruction
• Implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans
• Utilize COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum
• Create a safe, nurturing, structured, and engaging learning environment
• Establish age-appropriate classroom routines and expectations
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and team members
• Communicate professionally with parents and guardians regarding children's experiences and progress
• Observe, document, and communicate children's development and milestones
• Utilize technology to maintain classroom documentation and child progress reports
• Respond to children's individual needs with patience, empathy, and understanding
• Work collaboratively with other teachers and school leadership
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom
• Follow COA policies and applicable state licensing requirements
• Bring creativity, enthusiasm, and energy to the classroom every day

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is passionate about early childhood education and enjoys making a difference in the lives of young children.

The ideal candidate is:

• Caring, patient, dependable, and enthusiastic
• Passionate about working with children
• Creative and excited about creating engaging learning experiences
• A strong communicator who enjoys working with children and families
• Organized and able to manage classroom responsibilities
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• A positive team player who works well with others
• Committed to professional development and continued growth

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma with ECE credits
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare setting
• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain as required
• Must meet all applicable state licensing requirements
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff

Our Shared Values

Accountability: Take ownership, follow through, and learn from challenges.

Collaboration: Work together to support children, families, and one another.

Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities to learn, develop, and improve.

Integrity: Make thoughtful and ethical decisions.

Consistency: Provide dependable care, clear expectations, and continuity for children and families.

Ready to Grow With Us?

If you're looking for more than just a job and want an opportunity to make a difference in children's lives, grow as an educator, and be part of a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Children of America and bring your passion for early childhood education to the classroom.

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 federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.