Preschool Lead Teacher

Sprouts Early Learning Academy – Carlisle, Iowa

About the Position

At Sprouts Early Learning Academy, we believe that children deserve more

than just care—they deserve a joyful, enriching start to their educational

journey. As a Teacher, you will play a key role in creating a safe, nurturing,

and engaging environment for children from infancy through age five. You’ll

partner with our team of educators to support developmental growth, instill

a love of learning, and ensure every child feels valued and cared for. This role

is perfect for someone who is passionate about child development, thrives in

a team setting, and is eager to grow alongside our rapidly expanding

academy.

You're a Perfect Fit for Sprouts If:

Your Heart for Children

✅ You believe children are good at their core and, with loving

guidance, want to do what’s right.

✅ You find joy in helping little ones grow—not just physically, but

emotionally, socially, and academically.

✅ You see challenges as opportunities to teach, coach, and inspire.

✅ You create classrooms filled with safety, cleanliness, and joy, where

curiosity is encouraged every day.

✅ You balance care with stimulation—keeping kids safe and nurtured

while engaging their minds and hearts.

Your Professional Character

✅ You always do the right thing—even when it’s hard.

✅ You lead with love, kindness, and respect, especially in tough

moments.

✅ You communicate openly and kindly with parents, families, and the

community.

✅ You stay flexible and curious, ready to learn and grow through every

circumstance.

✅ You embrace reflection, feedback, and professional development as

a natural part of your growth.

✅ You maintain professionalism, keeping conversations positive and

solution-focused.

Your Commitment to Excellence

✅ You can pass a national background check and hold yourself to the

highest standards of integrity.

✅ You are, or are willing to become, certified in CPR and First Aid.

✅ You are committed to ongoing training, learning, and professional

development.

✅ You follow school guidelines with consistency and pride, knowing

they create safety and stability for everyone.

Your Spirit as a Teammate

✅ You love being part of a team and know that collaboration makes

everyone stronger.

✅ You support colleagues and celebrate their wins as much as your

own.

✅ You help create a culture where positivity, encouragement, and

laughter are part of everyday life.

At Sprouts, we don’t just care for children—we nurture curiosity, character,

and confidence. If this sounds like you, you’ll thrive here.

Tools We Use

● Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Drive)

● Canva (parent communications, classroom materials)

● Brightwheel (child portfolios, parent updates, daily reporting)

Responsibilities

Classroom & Curriculum

● Create and implement lesson plans (Lead Teachers); support lesson

delivery (Assistant Teachers)

● Provide a physically, emotionally, and socially safe environment for

children

● Model emotional regulation and problem-solving skills for students

● Facilitate activities that promote learning through play, discovery, and

creativity

Child Care & Safety

● Supervise children at all times to ensure safety and well-being

● Provide personal care such as diapering, feeding, and hygiene support

● Manage classroom transitions and routines effectively

● Monitor and respond to children’s medical needs, including managing

allergies, administering medication per guidelines, and following

emergency protocols

● Accompany and supervise children on field trips and special events

Cleaning & Classroom Environment

● Maintain a clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment

throughout the day

● Complete routine cleaning tasks such as sanitizing toys, wiping

surfaces, and ensuring restrooms and common areas meet health and

safety standards

● Assist in maintaining supply inventories and preparing materials for

daily activities

Family & Community Engagement

● Build positive, professional relationships with families

● Communicate effectively with parents through Brightwheel, meetings,

and informal updates

● Support family engagement in the classroom and school community

Administration & Compliance

● Maintain accurate documentation, and daily records

● Follow licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and school

policies

● Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development

Program Management + Tech

● Use Brightwheel to log daily activities, observations, and updates

● Support enrichment activities and classroom projects

About Sprouts Early Learning Academy

Sprouts was founded by Paige Smothers, a lifelong Carlisle resident and

passionate early childhood educator with degrees in Early Childhood

Education, Elementary Education, and endorsements in Literacy and Special

Education. After nearly a decade of teaching preschool at Carlisle

Elementary, Paige saw the desperate need for quality, education-based child

care in her community—and Sprouts Early Learning Academy was born.

At Sprouts, we offer full-day programs and wrap-around care for students

attending Carlisle half-day programs. Our goal is simple: to instill a lifelong

love of learning by making children’s earliest school experiences positive, fun,

and developmentally enriching.

Paige’s leadership extends beyond Sprouts—she serves on the Carlisle

Chamber of Commerce and was appointed by the Governor to the Early

Childhood Iowa State Board, where she advocates for policies that support

children and families across the state.

Sprouts truly is the perfect place to grow—both for children and for

educators who want to make a difference.

Our Values

1. Integrity – We do the right thing, even when it’s hard.

2. Authenticity & Transparency – We show up as our full selves and

speak honestly.

3. Connection & Compassion – We lead with love and care deeply for

others.

4. Flexibility & Curiosity – We adapt with grace and choose curiosity over

criticism.

5. Joy & Growth – We create joyful experiences and grow through what

we go through.

6. Community & Shared Purpose – We invest in our team and

community with shared purpose.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to join a team of passionate educators who believe in doing

more than “watching kids”—we believe in teaching, nurturing, and

inspiring them—apply today!

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person