Childcare Lead Teacher

Boone County Missouri; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Pension plan

Deferred compensation plans

14 paid holidays

Childcare discount

Generous vacation and sick leave

No-cost life and disability insurance

PSLF qualifying employer

Job summary

Boone County Government is launching a brand-new childcare center for public safety families in Columbia, MO. We seek a Lead Teacher to design developmentally appropriate curriculum and oversee daily care for 6 weeks to 5 years old, ensuring safety, licensing compliance, and family communication.

The role offers full-time hours, a 5:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. shift window, and starting pay of $19.15 per hour, with potential shift differentials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; must be 18+ years old.
• Two+ years of experience with children under 5 in childcare/education.
• Current CPR and First Aid or willingness to obtain.
• Must pass background check and medical exam per licensing rules.
• Meet state licensing, certification, and training requirements.
• Strong understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices; strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Assess and document children's development.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, engaging classroom.
• Communicate with families and staff.
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements and program standards.
• Maintain consistent daily routines.

Skills

Communication skills

Early childhood development

Team collaboration

Strong documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA

Three+ years of experience in childcare (preferred)

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Job description

Public Safety Childcare Center Opening Fall 2026

Multiple positionsavailable!

Boone County is proud to launch a brand-new, first-of-its-kind Childcare Center dedicated to serving our public safety families. This innovative center will provide high-quality early childhood education in a safe, nurturing, and developmentallyappropriate environmentthat supports the unique schedules and needs of emergency personnel families.

Many public safety families struggle to find childcare that accommodates their unusual and often unpredictable schedules. To better support our employees and their families, our center will initially offer flexible, scheduled childcare seven days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. This initial program structure creates a strong foundation, with the potential to expand hours and services in the future.

We are seeking Lead Teachers who will work collaboratively with all staff to create a high-quality childcare program that ensures operational excellence, maintains regulatory compliance, supports children’s growth, promotes well-being, and strengthens partnerships with families.

This is a unique opportunity to help build and shape a childcare center from the ground up while supporting the families who serve our community every day.

KeyResponsibilities

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall care, supervision, and development of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum; assessing and documenting children's development; maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom; communicating with families and staff; ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and program standards; and maintaining consistent daily routines.

PositionDetails

• Status:Full-time,non-exempt, benefited

• Schedule: 40 hours per week. Shifts vary within center hours of 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., 7 days per week including holidays.Mustbe able to work any shifts as needed to support center operations and staffing requirements.

• Starting Hourly Salary:Starting from $19.15 per hour, commensurate with experience. Potential for shift differential.

What You Bring

MinimumQualifications

• High school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old, in accordance with applicable state or licensing regulations.

• Two or more years of experience working with children under 5 years of age in a childcare or educational setting.

• Current CPR and First Aid certification or be willing to obtain it within a designated time frame.

• Must pass a background check and medical examination as required by applicable licensing regulations, federal, state, and Boone County policies.

• Must maintain employment eligibility by meeting all state licensing, certification, background check, and training requirements.

• An advanced understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

PreferredQualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field; or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent certification; or three or more years of relevant experience.

• Experience in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early learning program.

• Familiarity with state licensing regulations and early learning standards.

• Proficiency in using tablets or digital tools for documentation and communication.

• Knowledge of inclusive practices and experience working with children from diverse backgrounds or with varying developmental needs.

• A commitment to continued professional development in early childhood education.

Why Join Us?

• Bepart of a groundbreaking initiativesupporting public safety families.

• Help build quality care practices, consistent routines, and a culture of excellence.

• Meaningful, mission-driven work serving those who serve our community.

Benefits That Truly StandOut

Boone County Government offers one of the most competitive public-sector benefit packages in the region:

• Health,dental &vision insurance startingdayone
  (Including medical/dental plans withno employee premiumoptions!)

• Pensionplan

• Twomatchingdeferredcompensationplans

• 14paidholidays

• Childcare discount

• Generous vacation and sick leave

• No-cost life and disability insurance options

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer

This is stability, security, and service,all in one career move.

Why Columbia, Missouri?

Living in Columbia means enjoying the energy of a thriving college town and the cultural heart of Mid-Missouri. Home to beloved events like the True/False Film Fest,Columbia offers:

• A vibrant arts, music, and restaurant scene

• 278+ miles of scenic local trails

• Outdoor adventures at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

• Easy access to Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City, and the Lake of the Ozarks

It’sa place where careeropportunity meetsexceptional quality of life.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Ifyou’relooking for a career where yourchildcareexpertisedrivesreal impact and where your work directly supports the community,Boone County Government is ready for you.

Join the team. Serve with purpose. Grow with us.

This is stability, security, and service,all in one career move.