Lead Preschool Teacher

Country Kids Day Care, Inc.; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in early childhood education is seeking a dedicated Pre-K Lead Teacher to guide and inspire young learners. In this vital role, you will create a nurturing and engaging environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and essential skills in children aged 4-5. Collaborating with an Assistant Teacher and Center Director, you will implement a robust curriculum while building strong relationships with families. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's development and prepare them for their educational journey ahead. If you are passionate about early childhood education and eager to contribute to a positive learning atmosphere, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience as a lead Pre-K teacher in a licensed setting.
• CDA or associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a structured, age-appropriate curriculum for preschoolers.
• Observe and document each child’s progress to adapt lesson plans.
• Foster a welcoming classroom environment for preschoolers.

Skills

Early Childhood Education Principles

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Creativity

Problem-Solving

Education

CDA or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Certification in Pediatric First Aid and CPR

Minimum of one year experience as a lead Pre-K teacher

Job description

The Pre-K Lead Teacher plays a critical role in guiding children ages 4-5 through a time of rapid development, fostering independence, curiosity, and essential social and academic skills. This role involves creating a structured, engaging learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten while supporting their emotional and physical growth. The Pre-K Lead Teacher collaborates with the Assistant Teacher and Center Director to implement a robust curriculum and build strong relationships with children and families.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a structured, age-appropriate curriculum that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and foundational academic skills such as early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving.
• Plan and facilitate activities that promote collaboration, social-emotional development, and self-regulation in preparation for school readiness.
• Observe, assess, and document each child’s progress, using this information to adapt lesson plans and communicate milestones to families.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment where preschoolers feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore and learn.
• Maintain consistent classroom routines to support children’s sense of security and predictability.
• Supervise and mentor the Assistant Teacher to ensure effective collaboration in meeting classroom goals.
• Communicate regularly with families, offering updates on their child’s progress and sharing strategies to extend learning at home.
• Ensure the classroom remains clean, organized, and safe, complying with all health and safety regulations.
• Encourage positive peer interactions and guide children in resolving conflicts with age-appropriate problem-solving strategies.
• Lead transitions smoothly, helping preschoolers adapt to group activities, mealtimes, and outdoor play.
• Stay current on professional development opportunities and early childhood education best practices.
• Serve as a role model for professionalism, including punctuality, reliability, and a positive attitude.
• Uphold center policies, state regulations, and confidentiality requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Expertise in early childhood education principles, specifically for preschool-aged children, including school readiness benchmarks.
• Strong communication and organizational skills to effectively engage children, families, and team members.
• Creativity and enthusiasm to design engaging, hands-on activities that meet diverse learning styles.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of one year experience working as a lead Pre-K teacher in a licensed setting.
• A CDA or associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Certification in pediatric first aid and CPR.
• Pass criminal background check.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to engage in active play, including bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, and participating in floor-based activities.
• Comfortable working in a busy, dynamic environment with exposure to common childhood illnesses.