Lead Teacher

Mochildcareaware; Columbia Township (MO); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Pension plan

Deferred compensation plans

14 paid holidays

Childcare discount

Generous vacation and sick leave

Life and disability insurance options

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Boone County is seeking Lead Teachers for a brand-new childcare center serving public safety families. The position offers flexible, full-time hours from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, for children aged 6 weeks through 5 years.

Lead Teachers will plan developmentally appropriate curricula, document child progress, ensure a safe and engaging classroom, and communicate with families and staff while complying with licensing standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old.
• Two or more years of experience with children under 5 years old in a childcare or educational setting.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain it within a designated time frame.
• Must pass a background check and medical examination as required by licensing regulations.
• Must maintain employment eligibility by meeting all state licensing, certification, background check, and training requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Assess and document children's development.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom.
• Communicate with families and staff.
• Ensure licensing compliance and program standards.
• Maintain consistent daily routines.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Early childhood development knowledge

Licensing regulations familiarity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

CDA credential or equivalent

Tools

Tablets usage

Job description

About This Role

Boone County is proud to launch a brand-new, first-of-its-kind Childcare Center dedicated to serving our public safety families. This innovative center will provide high-quality early childhood education in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports the unique schedules and needs of emergency personnel families.

Many public safety families struggle to find childcare that accommodates their unusual and often unpredictable schedules. To better support our employees and their families, our center will initially offer flexible, scheduled childcare seven days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. This initial program structure creates a strong foundation, with the potential to expand hours and services in the future.

We are seeking Lead Teachers who will work collaboratively with all staff to create a high-quality childcare program that ensures operational excellence, maintains regulatory compliance, supports children's growth, promotes well-being, and strengthens partnerships with families.

This is a unique opportunity to help build and shape a childcare center from the ground up while supporting the families who serve our community every day.

What You'll Do

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall care, supervision, and development of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum; assessing and documenting children's development; maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom; communicating with families and staff; ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and program standards; and maintaining consistent daily routines.

Position Details

• Status:Full-time,non-exempt, benefited
• Schedule:40 hours per week. Shifts vary within center hours of 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., 7 days per week including holidays. Must be able to work any shifts as needed to support center operations and staffing requirements.
• Starting Hourly Salary:Starting from $19.15 per hour, commensurate with experience. Potential for shift differential.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old, in accordance with applicable state or licensing regulations.
• Two or more years of experience working with children under 5 years of age in a childcare or educational setting.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or be willing to obtain it within a designated time frame.
• Must pass a background check and medical examination as required by applicable licensing regulations, federal, state, and Boone County policies.
• Must maintain employment eligibility by meeting all state licensing, certification, background check, and training requirements.
• An advanced understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice to Have

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field; or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent certification; or three or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early learning program.
• Familiarity with state licensing regulations and early learning standards.
• Proficiency in using tablets or digital tools for documentation and communication.
• Knowledge of inclusive practices and experience working with children from diverse backgrounds or with varying developmental needs.
• A commitment to continued professional development in early childhood education.

Benefits

• Benefits That Truly Stand Out
• Boone County Government offers one of the most competitive public-sector benefit packages in the region:
• Health,dental &vision insurance startingdayone(Including medical/dental plans withno employee premiumoptions!)
• Pensionplan
• Twomatchingdeferredcompensationplans
• 14paidholidays
• Childcare discount
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• No-cost life and disability insurance options
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer
• This is stability, security, and service,all in one career move.