Lead Educator

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 23,419; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off and holidays

Employee childcare discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center in Des Moines, IA is seeking a full-time educator to plan and implement age-appropriate, play-based lessons, observe development, and maintain a nurturing classroom culture. You will communicate with families via our app and participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices.

The role requires experience in licensed settings, strong communication, teamwork, and physical stamina to meet daily demands.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with young children in a licensed early childhood education setting.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Physical ability to meet job demands such as standing, lifting, bending, etc.
• Willingness to undergo background checks and meet state licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Planning and Implementation: Develop weekly play-based, age-appropriate lesson plans reflecting state standards and program philosophy.
• Create a positive classroom culture that fosters belonging, safety, and curiosity.
• Observation and Assessment: Monitor each child’s development and document progress to tailor instruction.
• Classroom Management: Maintain a respectful, safe classroom environment and use positive reinforcement.
• Parent and Family Communication: Provide daily updates via the Parent Communication app and engage with families to support learning.
• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training and share best practices with colleagues and supervisors.

Skills

Early childhood experience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Background checks

Licensing requirements

Job description

Job Overview

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

Job Type

Full‑time

Responsibilities

Curriculum Planning and Implementation

• Develop and implement weekly play‑based, age‑appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children while reflecting core values, program philosophy, and state educational standards.
• Create a positive classroom culture that fosters belonging, safety, and curiosity.

Child Development Observation and Assessment

• Observe and assess each child’s development, using that information to tailor instruction and support individual learning needs.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date documentation of child progress and development.

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a positive, respectful classroom culture where children feel safe, supported, and valued.
• Manage classroom behavior effectively using positive reinforcement and guidance techniques.

Parent and Family Communication

• Provide daily communication through the company’s Parent Communication app, and additional phone, written, or in‑person communication as needed or per policy.
• Collaborate with parents and families to support a child’s learning and development at school and home.

Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to enhance teaching skills and stay current with early childhood education best practices.
• Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to share ideas, resources, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with young children in a licensed early childhood education setting.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Physical ability to meet job demands such as standing, lifting, bending, etc.
• Willingness to undergo background checks and meet state licensing requirements.

Other Requirements

• Ability to commute to the assigned location.
• Valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Capacity to perform physically demanding work up to 65 lb.
• Initiative and a "can do" attitude.
• Flexibility and open‑mindedness.
• Regular use of technology such as Microsoft Office, online lesson planning, daily reporting.

Benefits

• Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities.
• Monday to Friday schedule – no weekends.
• 401(k) plan.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Employee childcare discount.

Compensation

Starting pay range: $15–$17 per hour, applicable for Iowa. Adjusted for other locations based on education, experience, equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria.

Additional benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, and career development opportunities.