Childcare Lead Teacher

CRIBS2CRAYONS EARLY LEARNING AND RESOURCE CENTER; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay based on experience

Career advancement opportunities

Professional development and training

Positive and supportive work enviro n

Job summary

Cribs2Crayons Early Learning & Resource Center in Waterloo, IA is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to manage a classroom, lead staff, and deliver developmentally appropriate activities. The role focuses on creating a safe, nurturing environment and maintaining high childcare standards.

You will oversee daily routines, communicate with families, and ensure compliance with licensing requirements. This full-time position offers opportunities for growth and professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in childcare or early childhood education setting preferred.
• Lead teacher or classroom management experience preferred.
• Must meet Iowa Lead Teacher qualification requirements.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and age-appropriate teaching practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to independently manage classroom responsibilities and guide assistants.
• Reliable, punctual, patient, and professional.
• Ability to collaborate with children, families, coworkers, and management.
• Background checks and mandatory childcare training required.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Oversee daily classroom operations, schedules, routines, and transitions.
• Provide leadership and support to assistant teachers and staff.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, developmentally appropriate classroom.
• Ensure proper supervision and staff-to-child ratios at all times.
• Monitor children's developmental progress and maintain records.
• Communicate professionally with parents about daily activities and progress.
• Apply positive behavior guidance and classroom management techniques.
• Ensure daily cleaning, sanitizing, and organization tasks are completed.
• Complete attendance records, incident reports, and lesson plans on time.
• Follow center policies and Iowa licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with management on classroom concerns and staffing needs.
• Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork.

Skills

Leadership

Classroom management

Communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Reliability

Education

Iowa Lead Teacher qualifications

Job description

Childcare Lead Teacher

Cribs2Crayons Early Learning & Resource Center

Location: Waterloo, Iowa

Employment Type: Full-Time

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Pay Based on Experience
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Professional Development and Training
• Positive and Supportive Work Environment

Job Summary

Cribs2Crayons Early Learning & Resource Center is seeking dedicated, dependable, and passionate Lead Teachers to join our growing team!

The ideal candidate is an experienced childcare professional who demonstrates strong leadership, classroom management, and organizational skills. Our Lead Teachers play an essential role in creating a safe, structured, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

This position requires an individual who can independently manage a classroom, lead classroom staff, and maintain high standards of childcare and early childhood education.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and educational activities.
• Oversee daily classroom operations, schedules, routines, and transitions.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to assistant teachers and classroom staff.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Ensure proper supervision of children and maintain required staff-to-child ratios at all times.
• Monitor children's developmental progress and maintain accurate classroom documentation.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with parents regarding children's daily activities, progress, and concerns.
• Implement positive behavior guidance and appropriate classroom management techniques.
• Ensure classroom cleaning, sanitizing, and organizational responsibilities are completed daily.
• Complete required attendance records, incident reports, lesson plans, and other classroom documentation in a timely manner.
• Follow all center policies, procedures, and applicable Iowa childcare licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with management to address classroom concerns, staffing needs, and operational expectations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, dependability, and positive teamwork.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a childcare or early childhood education setting preferred.
• Previous lead teacher or classroom management experience preferred.
• Must meet applicable Iowa childcare Lead Teacher qualification requirements.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and age-appropriate teaching practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to independently manage classroom responsibilities and effectively guide assistant teachers.
• Must be reliable, punctual, patient, and professional.
• Ability to work collaboratively with children, families, coworkers, and management.
• Must successfully complete required background checks and mandatory childcare training.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Schedule

Full-time positions available. Specific schedules and classroom assignments will be discussed during the interview.

Why Join Cribs2Crayons?

At Cribs2Crayons Early Learning & Resource Center, we are committed to providing quality childcare while creating a positive and supportive environment for our employees.

We value educators who take initiative, demonstrate accountability, work well with others, and are passionate about making a difference in children's lives.

If you are a motivated educator who is ready to lead, inspire, and grow with our team, we encourage you to apply!