Lead Educator

Yellow-Brick-Road; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing Professional Development & 0

401(k) Plan

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Employee Childcare Discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road is seeking a Lead Educator to foster a nurturing, innovative learning environment for children in a licensed center in West Des Moines, IA.

The role emphasizes play-based planning, assessment, and strong family communication, with ongoing professional development and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Physical demands: standing/sitting for long periods, lifting up to 40 lbs, bending/kneeling.
• Background checks and state licensing requirements.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days).
• Proficient with technology such as Microsoft Office, online lesson planning, and daily reporting.

Responsibilities

• Implement play-based, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities aligned with early learning standards.
• Maintain a positive classroom culture fostering belonging, safety, and curiosity.
• Observe and assess development; tailor instruction and document progress.
• Establish and maintain a safe, respectful classroom environment; model nurturing behavior.
• Provide daily parent communication via the company app; share student progress.
• Collaborate with parents to support learning at school and home.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and share best practices with colleagues.
• Coordinate with school leadership to promote collaboration and innovation.

Skills

DHS qualifications

Experience with young students

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

CPR/First Aid certification

Background checks

Technology use

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online lesson planning

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:

Curriculum Planning and Implementation:

• 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.

$16 - $18 USD

As set forth in Yellow Brick Road’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.