Lead Educator

Yellow-Brick-Road; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Employee Childcare Discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road is hiring a Lead Educator to create a nurturing and innovative learning environment for young children. You will plan play-based lessons, observe progress, and maintain strong family communications to support development.

The role emphasizes collaboration with staff and leadership, adherence to licensing standards, and ongoing professional development. Competitive benefits and a supportive workplace are offered.

Qualifications

• Must meet DHS qualifications for a Lead Educator in a licensed child care center.
• Experience with young students in a licensed early childhood 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.
• Ability to meet physical demands (standing/sitting, lifting up to 40 lbs).
• Background checks and state licensing requirements.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willing to obtain within 30 days.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, online lesson planning, and daily reporting.

Responsibilities

• Implement play-based, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Maintain a positive classroom culture that fosters belonging, safety, and curiosity.
• Observe and assess student development and tailor instruction.
• Document student progress and development.
• Establish and maintain a positive, respectful classroom environment.
• Perform daily cleaning and sanitizing of the classroom.
• Manage classroom behavior with positive reinforcement.
• Provide daily communication with parents via the Parent Communication app.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and collaborate with colleagues.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Organizational skills

Physical stamina

Education

DHS Lead Educator qualifications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online lesson planning

Daily reporting

Job description

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.

The purpose of theLead Educator is to provide a nurturing, positive, and innovative learning environment where students can thrive and develop essential skills for lifelong success. Through effective communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning, our teachers play a pivotal role in fostering a love for learning, promoting social and emotional development, and laying the foundation for academic achievement. By embracing our core values our educators create a safe and stimulating space where each student is valued, respected, and supported on their own unique learning journey.

What You’ll Do:

• I mplement play-based, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that support student ’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, aligned with early learning standards.
• Help maintain a positive classroom culture that fosters a sense of belonging, safety, and curiosity.

Child Development Observation and Assessment:

• Observe and assess the development and progress of each student and use this information to tailor instruction and support individual learning needs.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of student progress and development, reflecting our mission and commitment to communication and collaboration.

Classroom Management:

• Establish and maintain a positive and respectful classroom culture where students feel safe, supported, and valued, embodying our core values o f nurturing and positivity.
• Perform daily cleaning and sanitizing of the classroom, including toys, surfaces, equipment, and other areas, to maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe environment for students.
• Manage classroom behavior effectively, using positive reinforcement and guidance techniques.

Parent and Family Communication:

• Provide daily communication through the company’s Parent Communication app with parents and families to provide updates on their student 's daily progress, activities, and development. Communication such as phone calls, written communication and in-person communication will be as needed or as outlined by company policy and procedure.
• Collaborate with parents and families to support their student 's individual learning and development at school and home.

Professional Development:

• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to enhance teaching skills and stay current with best practices in early childhood education, embracing our core value of innovation.
• Collaborate with colleagues and school leadership to share ideas, resources, and bestpractices,that fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation.

What You’ll Need:

• Must meet Department of Human Services (DHS) qualifications for a Lead Educator in a licensed child care center.
• Demonstrated experience working with young students 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.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, which may include - standing or sitting for extended periods of time. Lifting and carrying young students and classroom materials - up to 40 lbs. Bending, stooping, and kneeling to interact with children at their level. Ability to respond quickly to emergencies or situations requiring physical intervention.
• Willingness to undergo background checks and meet state licensing requirements for working in a childcare setting.
• Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Must be able to regularly use technology such as Microsoft Office, online lesson planning, daily reporting

What We Offer:

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

Yellow Brick Road offers medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off and holidays, childcare discounts, and an employee assistance program.

$19 - $23 USD