Lead Educator

Sonnet Montessori; Waukee (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing Professional Development

Montessori training opportunities

401(k) Plan

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Employee Childcare Discount

Job summary

Sonnet Montessori in Iowa is seeking a Lead Educator to provide a nurturing, innovative learning environment where children thrive and develop essential skills. The role emphasizes effective communication, collaboration with families, and curriculum planning aligned with Montessori principles.

Responsibilities include weekly lesson planning, observation and assessment, positive classroom management, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Must meet Minnesota DHS qualifications for a Lead Teacher in a licensed child care center.
• Experience in Montessori or early childhood settings.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and actively supervise children indoors/outdoors.
• 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 lesson plans and activities that support physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
• Observe and assess each child and tailor instruction to individual needs.
• Establish a positive, safe classroom culture and manage behavior with positive guidance.
• Provide daily updates to families via the company app and collaborate with parents.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and Montessori training.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication skills

Montessori philosophy

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Team collaboration

Education

Minnesota DHS qualifications for Lead Teacher in licensed child care center

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.

The purpose of the Lead Educator is to provide a nurturing, positive, and innovative learning environment where young children can thrive and develop essential skills for lifelong success. Through effective communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning, our educators 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 child is valued, respected, and supported on their own unique learning journey.

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.