Childcare Lead Teacher

Small Hands Big Dreams; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 23,419 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay based on experience

Paid professional development

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health insurance options

Job summary

Small Hands Big Dreams in Akron, Ohio is seeking an experienced Lead Child Care Teacher passionate about early childhood education. Join a community focused on creating meaningful learning experiences for young children.

Your role will include developing lesson plans, fostering a nurturing environment, and building relationships with families. The position offers competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a culture of support.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a licensed early childhood program.
• Passion for educating and nurturing young children.
• Understanding child development and age-appropriate teaching practices.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
• Foster a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Ensure children's health, safety, and well-being through active supervision.

Skills

Experience in licensed early childhood program

Understanding of child development

Ability to build relationships with children and families

Dependability and positivity

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Two-Year Degree

CPL 3 or higher

Job description

Job Details

Location: CORA - Akron, OH 44305; Position Type: Full Time; Education Level: 2 Year Degree; Salary Range: $17.00 - $20.00 Hourly; Job Shift: Any; Job Category: Education; Hiring: Experienced Lead Child Care Teacher.

Lead with Purpose. Inspire Through Play. Build Bright Futures.

At Color Our Rainbow Academy and Small Hands Big Dreams, we believe exceptional teachers change lives. We're looking for an experienced Lead Child Care Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to creating meaningful learning experiences for young children.

If you believe learning happens through exploration, creativity, laughter, and nurturing relationships—and you’re ready to lead a classroom with confidence—we’d love to meet you.

As a Lead Teacher, you will play an essential role in guiding children’s development while mentoring teammates, building strong family partnerships, and creating engaging classroom environments where every child can thrive.

Full-time and part-time opportunities for float and assistant positions are also available.

Why Color Our Rainbow Academy?

For 25 years, Color Our Rainbow Academy has earned the highest quality ratings in Ohio by investing in exceptional educators and providing children with outstanding early learning experiences. We are more than a childcare center—we are a community dedicated to helping children, families, and teachers grow together.

Core Values

• Fun
• Passionate Customer Focus
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Teamwork

If you’re looking for a place where your experience is valued, your voice is heard, and your career can continue to grow, you’ve found it.

What You’ll Do

• Create and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and hands‑on learning experiences.
• Foster a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment where children feel valued and supported.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well‑being of every child through active supervision and adherence to licensing standards.
• Build meaningful relationships with families through daily communication, photos, videos, classroom updates, and developmental conversations.
• Observe, assess, and support each child’s individual growth and developmental milestones.
• Lead classroom routines while maintaining a positive, organized, and engaging learning environment.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers and leadership to provide the highest quality care and education.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, leadership, and a commitment to continuous learning.

What We’re Looking For

• Have previous experience working in a licensed early childhood program.
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for educating and nurturing young children.
• Understand child development and age‑appropriate teaching practices.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Are dependable, positive, energetic, and committed to excellence.
• Enjoy working as part of a collaborative team while confidently leading a classroom.
• Take pride in creating fun, engaging learning experiences every day.

Benefits

We believe great teachers deserve great support.

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team culture
• Begin earning Paid Time Off (PTO) on Day One
• Paid major holidays
• Paid birthday off
• Health insurance options
• Opportunities to grow your career within a company that promotes from within

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re an experienced early childhood educator who believes every day is an opportunity to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and make learning unforgettable, we’d love to welcome you to the Color Our Rainbow Academy and Small Hands Big Dreams family.

Qualifications

• Educational Requirements:
  • Meet all state licensing qualifications (5101:2-12-27)
  • CPL 3 or higher
• Physical Requirements:
  • Lift and carry children that may weigh 10‑70 lbs.
  • Stand up to 90% of the day while supervising the safety of the children