Kindergarten Prep Teacher

Bright Horizons; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 39,520 - 48,256; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

Professional development and college‑s

Free college degrees through Horizons'

Job summary

Bright Horizons in Cary, NC is hiring a Kindergarten Prep Teacher to guide a classroom of 4- and 5-year-olds. You will plan activities, lead a teaching team, and partner with families to support each child’s growth and curiosity.

You’ll apply developmentally appropriate practices, maintain a safe, engaging environment, and pursue ongoing learning. A high school diploma is required, with CDA/college coursework preferred; in-person work is expected.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED.
• College-level coursework in early childhood education, CDA, or an associate or bachelor’s degree in early education or related field is preferred.
• 1 year of professional experience teaching in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a teaching team to create plans, goals, and hands-on activities for 4- and 5-year-olds.
• Maintain open communication with parents, sharing daily milestones.
• Ensure a safe and clean classroom by following essential procedures and guidelines.

Skills

DAP knowledge

Parent communication

In-person teaching

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Early childhood coursework or CDA

Associate or Bachelor’s in early education

Job description

Grow your teaching career with Bright Horizons, where you can make a meaningful impact on children’s lives every day. Learn from early education experts while having the opportunity to pursue a CDA or college degree at no cost. Experience this and more as a Bright Horizons Kindergarten Prep Teacher.

Responsibilities

• Guide a teaching team to create plans, goals, and lead hands-on activities to meet the needs and interests of the 4- and 5-year-old children in your classroom
• Maintain open communication with parents, sharing their child's daily milestones
• Ensure a safe and clean classroom by following essential procedures and guidelines

Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:

Qualifications

• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required
• College-level coursework in early childhood education, CDA, or an associate or bachelor’s degree in early education or related field is preferred
• 1 year of professional experience teaching in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) for children is required

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We’re changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you’re the difference.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training.

If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee.

• Frequently lift, carry, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, or hold weight more than 40 pounds
• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

This position requires in-person work in the Cary, NC area.

Salary/Hourly Rate and Other Compensation Disclosures

The hourly pay for this position is between $19.00 to $23.20 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools
• Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program
• Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family
• Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Life at Bright Horizons

At Bright Horizons, you’re more than your job title — you’re the difference. Whether you’re nurturing a child’s first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We’re a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future — for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.