Lead Educator

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center; Waukee (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Montessori training

401(k)

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid time off

Childcare discount

Job summary

Sonnet Montessori in Iowa is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to guide weekly play-based lessons, reflect state standards, and foster a warm classroom culture where children feel safe and curious. You will observe, assess, document progress, and collaborate with families to support each child's development.

This role emphasizes Montessori philosophy, ongoing professional growth, and a commitment to building a joyful, inclusive learning community for all ages.

Qualifications

• Must meet Minnesota DHS Lead Teacher qualifications for a licensed child care center.
• Experience with Montessori or early childhood settings.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and supervise children.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with children, families and staff.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and Montessori philosophy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement weekly play-based, age-appropriate lesson plans reflecting core values and state standards.
• Observe and assess each child to tailor instruction and document progress.
• Maintain a positive, safe, and respectful classroom culture.
• Provide daily updates to families via the Parent Communication app and collaborate with parents.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and Montessori training.

Skills

Classroom management

Organizational skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Montessori philosophy

Education

DHS Lead Teacher qualifications

Job description

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.

Job Type

Full-time

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.

What You’ll Do

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 that reflects our core values, program philosophy, and state educational standards.
• Create 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 child and use this information to tailor instruction and support individual learning needs.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of child progress and development, reflecting our mission and commitment to communication and collaboration.

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a positive and respectful classroom culture where children feel safe, supported, and valued, embodying our core values of nurturing and positivity.
• 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 child'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 child'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 supervisors to share ideas, resources, and best practices, that fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

• Must meet Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) qualifications for a Lead Teacher in a licensed child care center.
• Experience working with young children in a Montessori or early childhood setting.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., actively supervise children indoors/outdoors, and meet physical demands of the role.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and staff.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and Montessori philosophy.

What We Offer

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• Continuing education opportunities, specifically within Montessori training!
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

The starting pay range for this position is $16 to $19 hourly and is applicable for candidates who will be working in the following location[s] Iowa. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Sonnet Montessori considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.

In addition to compensation benefits, Sonnet Montessori offers a variety of health and welfare benefits, based on eligibility, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and career development.

Salary Description

$16.00 - $19.00/hour