Lead Educator

N Family School; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

N Family School is seeking a Lead Educator in Eagan, Minnesota to lead the classroom with the N Curriculum and play-based learning approaches. You will model high-quality care, support daily routines, and drive planning in collaboration with the team.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, state licensing compliance, and pediatric first aid/CPR certification. You will mentor educators and help maintain a positive family experience.

Qualifications

• Must meet all state licensing requirements to serve as an educator in a licensed early childhood program.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field.
• Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification required, or willingness to obtain upon hire and maintain per licensing timelines.
• Completion of mandated reporter and safeguarding training, maintained per state requirements.
• Clear background checks and licensing clearances as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of N Family’s learning through play approach and the N Curriculum within the classroom.
• Model outstanding care and education at all times.
• Support consistent implementation of daily routines, the pattern of the day, and smooth transitions.
• Drive high-quality observations, assessments, and planning in collaboration with the classroom team.
• Create and maintain engaging, well-organized indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Support and mentor Educators within the classroom, providing guidance, feedback, and on-the-job coaching.

Skills

Early childhood education

Classroom leadership

Mentoring educators

Communication with families

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in ECE

Job description

Lead Educator

Department: School Education

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Eagan, Minnesota

Reporting To: Kelly Wallace

Compensation: $18.70 - $22.00 / hour

Description

Purpose of the Role

The Lead Educator at N Family School supports the delivery of exceptionally high educational standards in line with N Family’s Wildly Important Goals (WIGs). Working closely with the Team Lead, this role provides day-to-day classroom leadership, supports educator development, and ensures consistent, high-quality practice within the learning environment.

The Lead Educator is an experienced, confident educator who models best practice, supports team performance, and takes responsibility for classroom leadership in the absence of the Team Lead. This role plays a key part in maintaining quality, consistency, and positive family experiences.

To be successful in this role, you will Go Beyond, Be Outstandingly Outstanding, and Play as a Team.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Classroom Leadership & Quality

• Lead the delivery of N Family’s learning through play approach and the N Curriculum within the classroom
• Model outstanding care and education at all times
• Support consistent implementation of daily routines, the pattern of the day, and smooth transitions
• Drive high-quality observations, assessments, and planning in collaboration with the classroom team
• Create and maintain engaging, well-organized indoor and outdoor learning environments

Team Support & Development

• Support and mentor Educators within the classroom, providing guidance, feedback, and on-the-job coaching
• Assist the Team Lead with Educator-child ratios, classroom schedules, and daily organization
• Encourage reflective practice and continuous improvement within the team
• Step into a leadership role within the classroom when the Team Lead is absent

Care, Safety & Wellbeing

• Promote and model safeguarding practices and child welfare responsibilities
• Champion behavioral safety and calm, respectful classroom culture
• Complete daily health and safety checks and follow up on any concerns
• Ensure policies, procedures, and best practices are consistently followed

Family & Team Collaboration

• Build strong, respectful relationships with families and caregivers
• Communicate clearly and professionally with families and team members
• Participate in team meetings, briefings, and classroom reflections
• Support broader school operations with ad hoc tasks as needed

Professional Practice

• Work a flexible schedule during school operating hours, typically between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with availability for meetings or events as needed
• Be a role model for professionalism, accountability, and educational excellence
• Be open to feedback and committed to continuous professional development
• Always follow Health & Safety policies, safeguarding procedures, and state licensing requirements

Experience

• Prior experience working with children in an early childhood or educational setting
• Experience leading, mentoring, or coaching educators within a classroom environment
• Strong understanding of early childhood development and quality practice
• Familiarity with childcare licensing requirements and quality standards
• Experience working with children under age two is required for infant room assignments

Qualifications

• Must meet all applicable state licensing requirements to serve as an educator in a licensed early childhood program
• Bachelor’s degree required, ideally in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field
• Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification required, or willingness to obtain upon hire and maintain per licensing timelines
• Completion of mandated reporter and safeguarding training, maintained per state requirements
• Successful completion of all required background checks and clearances, as required by licensing
• Must meet all state health screening and immunization requirements, including tuberculosis screening, as required by licensing authorities

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about early childhood education and making a difference
• Positive, confident, and solution-oriented
• Calm, dependable, and organized
• Strong communicator with families and team members
• Committed to teamwork, inclusion, and continuous improvement

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Lead Educator supports the Team Lead by guiding and mentoring classroom educators and providing day-to-day leadership within the classroom. In the absence of the Team Lead, the Lead Educator assumes responsibility for classroom oversight, ensuring continuity of care, compliance, and consistent delivery of the N Curriculum.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role requires regular standing, walking, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), and active engagement with children throughout the day. The Lead Educator works across classrooms and outdoor learning spaces and may experience moderate noise levels and exposure to childhood illnesses.

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Our Commitment

This job description outlines the general nature of the role and does not constitute an exhaustive list of responsibilities. It does not alter the at-will nature of employment. As N Family School grows, responsibilities may evolve, and team members may be asked to support beyond their usual scope in the spirit of teamwork and shared success. All team members share responsibility for safeguarding and child protection.