Lead Early Childhood Teachers

The Gardner School; Minnetonka (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) with company match

Childcare tuition discount

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Gardner School of Minnetonka is hiring a Lead Teacher to guide a warm, developmentally appropriate classroom for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. You will model the school’s values, partner with families, and lead by example in a collaborative, nurturing environment.

We offer competitive hourly pay, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and opportunities for advancement within a mission-driven preschool that values growth, teamwork, and a love of learning.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in ECE or CDA required; Bachelor's preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification current or willingness to obtain.
• Experience with children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Lead your classroom with warmth, creativity, and excellence.
• Mentor assistant teachers and model core values.
• Build lasting relationships with families through communication.
• Create developmentally appropriate lesson plans that support exploration.
• Ensure classroom safety, compliance, and a joyful, nurturing environment.

Skills

Classroom leadership

Mentoring

Family communication

Curriculum planning

English fluency

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.The Gardner School — Minnetonka, MN$19.00 – $23.00 per hour | Full-Time | CDA or Associate’s in ECE Required | Bachelor’s PreferredWe're Hiring! Join our team as a Lead Teacher at The Gardner School of Minnetonka!At The Gardner School of Minnetonka, we believe learning begins with love — for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.What You’ll Do:Lead your classroom with warmth, creativity, and excellenceMentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core valuesBuild lasting relationships with families through communication and collaborationCreate developmentally appropriate lesson plans that support exploration and growthEnsure classroom safety, compliance, and a joyful, nurturing environmentWhat We Offer:Competitive Pay: $19.00 – $23.00 per hour, based on education and experienceAdditional Compensation: Our school participates in the Minnesota Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program, providing financial support to eligible early childhood educatorsComprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunitiesCareer Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, access to our company-sponsored CDA program, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.Qualifications:Education/Certification:Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related, or CDA (required); Bachelor's degree (preferred).Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)Experience:1+ years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements:Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required)Regular and reliable attendance.Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care.Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required)Active engagement throughout the day including standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to ~60 lbs.Ability to fulfill cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a classroom leadership including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships.Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment.Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.If you’re passionate about nurturing young children and growing your career in early childhood education, come teach with us at The Gardner School of Minnetonka!The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.