Lead Teacher

Children of America; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 30,307 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internal Career Advancement Opportunities

50% Discount on Employee Childcare

Educational Assistance/Reimbursement

Paid Vacation & Paid Holidays

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Jackson, Mississippi is seeking a Lead Teacher responsible for developing lesson plans and executing the curriculum for preschool-age children. Candidates must be passionate about early childhood education, possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and have at least one year of licensed childcare experience. The position offers a supportive work environment with growth opportunities and a competitive hourly pay range of $22.00 to $25.00, along with a sign-on bonus after 90 days of employment.

Qualifications

• Requires at least 1 year of experience in licensed childcare.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Commitment to professional development essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Create a positive learning environment for children.
• Communicate professionally with parents and staff.
• Manage the demands of infants and toddlers.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Effective decision making

Empathetic communication

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Path to teacher certification

Job description

About Children of America (COA)

We are a special blend of people, principles and pride that makes COA rich in diversity and strength. Our UPK lead teachers are responsible for planning lessons and executing our curriculum. You will work alongside a talented team of educators in a supportive environment where you are encouraged to grow in your field and share your passion for early childhood education. Our program serves preschool children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Programs include Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre‑K, Before and After Care and Summer Camp.

Who Will I Interact With?

In this role you will interact daily with Assistant Teachers, children, parents, the management team and teaching staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education required
• On path to obtaining a teacher certification and/or enrolled in a Master’s Program in education or a related field
• 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare preferred
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Flexible in challenging situations
• Strong organizational skills
• Must be able to build strong relationships
• Commitment to professional development
• Effective decision making
• Meet all state requirements for position

Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

• Requires a gentle touch while instituting our developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Ability to handle the demands of infants and toddlers in different stages
• Be highly organized with the ability to create a positive learning environment
• Ensure a safe structured learning environment
• Empathetic to children’s emotions and parents’ needs
• Plan daily lessons that support social, emotional, physical, & intellectual growth of each child
• Communicate appropriately and professionally with parents and fellow staff
• Excellent writing skills and use of technology to deliver child progress to parents and other teachers
• Present expectations that are appropriate to the child’s age and developmental level
• Be creative, passionate about your work and have fun

Our Shared Mission

• Accountability: We empower self‑decision making by accepting responsibility and learning from our mistakes to serve COA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Collaboration: We align solutions that understand the needs of our stakeholders to serve COA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Growth Mindset: We view obstacles as opportunities for growth, accepting feedback to enhance the development of employees and the organization.
• Integrity: We go beyond honesty and loyalty by considering the impact of decisions and doing what’s right for all stakeholders.
• Consistency: We ensure continuity of care to uphold COA’s brand and enable stakeholders to have clear expectations of their experience.

Benefits for Lead Teachers

• Internal Career Advancement Opportunities
• 50% Discount on Employee Childcare
• Educational Assistance/Reimbursement
• T.E.A.C.H Scholarship Partnerships
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Recognition Programs
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k), Life, Accident & Disability
• Paid Vacation & Paid Holidays

Compensation

Hourly pay rate range $22.00 to $25.00. $500 sign‑on bonus after 90 days of continuous employment.

Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This role may also be eligible for performance‑based incentives or other benefits.

Children of America is committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. This job description is intended to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state‑specific pay transparency regulations.

Children of America is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.