Jr PreK Lead Teacher

Paycom - ATS; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Minds Academy in Topeka, Kansas is seeking a dedicated Junior PreK Lead Teacher to nurture early academic skills and social development for children aged 2.5–4. You will plan engaging activities, guide behavior, and communicate progress to families, while supervising assistants to ensure high-quality care.

The role emphasizes a play-based curriculum, strong relationships with families, and compliance with KOEC licensing and NECPA standards, in a welcoming classroom environment.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience working with preschool-age children.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Observe individual children and develop lesson plans based on their strengths, interests, and developmental needs.
• Implement engaging, play-based curriculum activities that support pre-academic skills (letters, numbers, phonological awareness).
• Foster social-emotional development, cooperation, and classroom community.

Skills

Communication & relationship-building

Curriculum planning

Group/classroom management

Education

AS/BA in Early Childhood Education

Job description

SummaryWe are seeking a dedicated and creative Junior PreK Lead Teacher to foster early academic skills and social development for children ages 2.5-4. You will implement engaging curriculum activities, support peer relationships, and prepare children for preschool. The Junior PreK Lead Teacher creates an exciting learning environment and supervises assistant teachers.About Bright Minds AcademyOur MissionShaping the newest generation of Kansans through safe, transparent care that ignites the magic of learning and builds a lasting positive impact.Our Core ValuesOwn It with Heart - We take full accountability for our actions and outcomes, following through with ownership and careConsistently Consistent - Showing up every day is non-negotiable—it's the foundation of trust and teamworkOpen & Honest - We commit to transparent, candid communication with each other and with familiesLearn Boldly - We celebrate the magic of learning by encouraging open dialogue and daring to try new thingsFamily First, Always - We cultivate a positive, supportive culture where everyone feels valued and connectedKey ResponsibilitiesObserve individual children and develop lesson plans based on their strengths, interests, and developmental needsImplement engaging, play-based curriculum activities that support pre-academic skills (letters, numbers, phonological awareness)Foster social-emotional development, cooperation, and classroom communityGuide behavior with clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and problem-solving opportunitiesCreate a welcoming, colorful classroom environment that encourages curiosity and learningFacilitate group activities, story time, music, and creative playCommunicate regularly with parents about their child's progress, milestones, and social developmentCreate daily reports for each child with photos/videos of learning momentsSupervise and guide assistant teachers to ensure high-quality care and learningEnsure compliance with all KOEC licensing regulations and NECPA standardsBenefits PackageDirect pay provider health planGenerous paid time offPaid training, holidays, and closure daysSemi-annual bonuses and annual pay raisesGym membership discountSimple IRA plan with employer matchCompetitive compensation based on education and experienceJoin the Bright Minds Academy FamilyWe are excited to welcome dedicated educators who share our passion for child development and high-quality care.Bright Minds Academy is an Equal Opportunity EmployerRequired QualificationsMust meet or exceed all KOEC and NECPA requirements for preschool lead teacherAssociate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferredMinimum 2+ years of experience working with preschool-age children in a licensed childcare settingStrong understanding of 2.5-4 year old development and early learning principlesAbility to plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculumExcellent communication and relationship-building skills with children and familiesCurrent First Aid and CPR certification requiredCreative, enthusiastic, and able to manage group dynamics with multiple learners