Pre-K Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY

The Pre-K classroom at Wild Oak Academy, preparing children ages 2.5 to 6 for kindergarten through play-based, theme-driven learning. This role plans and delivers daily instruction, keeps every child safe and supervised, and builds strong partnerships with families.

Reports to: Center Director and Assistant Director

Locations: Shawnee, KS

Classrooms: Prekindergarten (ages 2.5–6)

Schedule: Full-time, weekday shifts within center hours; occasional evening events, 4x10 schedule with Day Extra Day Off

Wild Oak serves children from 6 weeks through 6 years. Our curriculum is grounded in the Theme-Based Model, Multiple Intelligences theory, and the Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety and Supervision

• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and active supervision at all times, including transitions, outdoor play, and nap.
• Complete name-to-face counts at every transition and record attendance accurately in Procare.
• Follow all Kansas child care licensing regulations and Wild Oak health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Report suspected abuse or neglect immediately as a Kansas mandated reporter.
• Document incidents, accidents, and medication administration the same day.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Write weekly lesson plans on the Wild Oak template using the Theme-Based Model, Multiple Intelligences, and KELS across all eight domains.
• Submit lesson plans to the Director by the posted deadline and post them in the classroom.
• Lead large-group, small-group, and center-based activities that build literacy, math, science, social-emotional, and motor skills.
• Prepare Pre-K children for kindergarten: letter and sound recognition, early writing, counting, self-help, and following routines.
• Set up and rotate learning centers to match the current theme.

Child Development and Assessment

• Observe and document each child's progress and keep portfolios current.
• Use positive guidance to build self-regulation, problem solving, and cooperation.
• Flag developmental concerns to the Director and support referral conversations with families.
• Adapt activities for children with different learning styles and needs.

Family Partnership

• Greet families at drop-off and pick-up and share daily updates through Procare.
• Hold parent conferences at least twice a year.
• Respond to parent questions within one business day and escalate concerns to leadership.

Classroom and Team

• Keep the classroom clean, organized, sanitized, and licensing-ready every day.
• Direct and mentor Assistant Teachers and floaters assigned to the room.
• Attend staff meetings and complete required annual training hours.
• Support center tours, events, and enrollment efforts when asked.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must meet Kansas licensing qualifications for a lead teacher in a licensed child care center before working unsupervised with children.

Required

• At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• Meets Kansas lead teacher education and experience requirements (for example, a CDA, an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field, or qualifying coursework plus experience).
• At least 1 year of experience teaching preschool-age children in a licensed setting.
• Clears the Kansas child care background check, including fingerprinting.
• Current pediatric First Aid and CPR certification, or earns it within the state-required timeframe.
• Completes required pre-service and annual Kansas training, including mandated reporter training.
• Completes any required health assessment and TB screening.

Preferred

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education.
• Experience writing theme-based lesson plans aligned to KELS.
• Familiarity with Procare or similar child care software.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Skills

• Warm, patient, and consistent with young children.
• Clear, professional communication with families and coworkers.
• Organized, punctual, and able to manage a room through a full day.
• Takes feedback well and leads by example for classroom staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Lift and carry children and supplies up to 40 lbs.
• Sit on the floor and at child-height tables, kneel, bend, and stand for long periods.
• Move quickly to respond to children indoors and outdoors.
• See and hear well enough to supervise a full classroom.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is in an active classroom with frequent noise, outdoor play in varied weather, and regular exposure to common childhood illnesses.

GROWTH PATH

Strong Pre-Teachers can grow into Lead Mentor Teacher, Assistant Director, or Director roles across Wild Oak locations. Wild Oak supports continued education and professional development.

BENEFITS

• Paid time off
• Child care tuition discount
• Paid training

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person