Lead Preschool Teacher - UPK

Cadence Education; West Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On‑demand pay

Tuition discount

401(k) match

Medical & dental insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Pet insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

Cadence Education is seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher in Iowa to create a warm, inclusive classroom and foster strong relationships with families. You will implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence’s philosophy and ensure safety and compliance with licensing requirements.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education or related field, an active IA Teaching License, and 2+ years of classroom experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• IA Teaching License, current and active.
• Minimum 2 years of early childhood or classroom experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, welcoming classroom where every child is treated with dignity and care.
• Build positive relationships with children and families through daily greetings and ongoing communication.
• Recognize and support diverse developmental, behavioral, and learning needs, including IEPs and behavioral plans.
• Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence philosophy and Signature Programs.
• Use Cadence systems to communicate professionally with families and colleagues.
• Maintain a safe, well‑supervised classroom following the Safety and Supervision Manual.
• Document and report accidents and incidents per policy and licensing requirements.
• Follow all Cadence policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development, possibly outside regular hours.

Skills

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

IA Teaching License

Job description

We are hiring a Preschool Lead Teacher to join our team of dedicated educators. If you’re passionate about early childhood development and have experience in childcare, daycare, or preschool education, we’d love to meet you.

Why Join Us?

We’re a community of professionals who care deeply about children and their growth. Our schools foster collaboration, open communication, and a supportive work environment. We prioritize work-life balance and provide the tools and resources you need to succeed.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Hourly Pay Range: $17 - $23.50
• On demand pay with UKG Wallet
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• 401(k) with employer match
• Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:
  • Paid time off that increases with seniority
  • Paid holidays
  • Medical, dental, vision options available
  • Additional life, disability, and retirement plans
  • Educational and professional development
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Paid CDA

What You’ll Do

• Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where every child is treated with dignity, respect, and care.
• Build positive, professional relationships with children and families, including daily greetings and ongoing communication.
• Recognize and respond to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including implementing IEPs and behavioral support plans as required.
• Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence educational philosophy and Signature Programs.
• Use Cadence-required systems and communication tools to communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership.
• Maintain a safe and well‑supervised classroom, following the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual at all times.
• Accurately document and report accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors in accordance with company policy and licensing requirements.
• Follow all Cadence Education policies, procedures, and standards outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to follow all safety procedures, including Name‑to‑Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle‑feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
• Ability to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Current and active IA Teaching License

Experience

• Must meet state licensing requirements for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.
• A minimum of 2 years of early childhood or classroom experience is preferred, depending on education and credentials.

Credentials & Licensing

• Must meet all Department of Health Services (DHS) licensing qualifications for Lead Teachers
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.

Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully)

• Flexibility is essential. Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.
• Work schedules may vary and are not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts.
• Daily end times may vary and cannot be guaranteed.

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