Lead Teacher (Early Childhood)

Children of America, Inc.; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 53,038,000 - 57,859,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% childcare discount

Career growth opportunities

TEACH scholarship partnerships

Educational assistance

Medical benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Ongoing training

Job summary

Children of America is seeking a Lead Teacher in Wisconsin to lead a classroom, nurture young learners, and partner with families in a supportive team.

Earn $18.54–$20.17 per hour with a 50% employee childcare discount, plus opportunities for career growth, training, and TEACH scholarship partnerships.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with ECE credits.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must meet all applicable state licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead daily lessons, activities, and classroom experiences.
• Implement COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum.
• Create a safe, nurturing, structured, and engaging classroom.
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Classroom management

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent with ECE credits

Job description

Lead Teacher – Early Childhood Education

$18.54 – $20.17 per hour | 50% Employee Childcare Discount | Career Growth Opportunities

Join Children of America (COA) and make a difference every day!

Are you passionate about working with children and looking for an opportunity to grow your career in early childhood education? At COA, you'll have the opportunity to lead a classroom, build meaningful relationships with children and families, and work alongside a supportive team of educators.

Why You'll Love Being a Lead Teacher at COA

• $18.54 – $20.17 per hour
• 50% Employee Childcare Discount
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Educational assistance and T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Partnerships
• Employee referral bonuses and recognition programs
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Work with a supportive team that values your ideas and experience

About Children of America (COA)

Children of America is a nationally accredited preschool with 65+ locations across 18 states. Our programs serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre‑K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp.

As a Lead Teacher, you'll create an engaging, nurturing classroom where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. We believe our teachers are at the heart of our schools, and we encourage our team to bring their whole selves to work while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

What You'll Do

As a Lead Teacher, you will take an active role in creating a positive classroom experience and supporting each child's development.

• Plan and lead daily lessons, activities, and classroom experiences
• Implement COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum
• Create a safe, nurturing, structured, and engaging classroom
• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development
• Establish age-appropriate expectations and provide positive guidance
• Observe, document, and communicate children's development and progress
• Complete child progress reports and classroom documentation
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and team members
• Communicate professionally with parents regarding their child's experiences and progress
• Collaborate with teaching staff and school leadership
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom
• Follow all health, safety, supervision, and state licensing requirements
• Participate in training, professional development, and staff meetings
• Bring energy, creativity, patience, and a genuine passion for teaching to the classroom every day

What We're Looking For

• High School Diploma or equivalent with ECE credits/coursework
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Must meet all applicable state licensing requirements
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision‑making skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
• Strong classroom management skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast‑paced childcare environment
• Passion for early childhood education and child development
• Commitment to professional growth

Our COA Values

Accountability: Take ownership, learn from challenges, and follow through.

Collaboration: Work together to support children, families, and our teams.

Growth Mindset: See challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Integrity: Make ethical decisions and treat others with respect.

Consistency: Provide dependable care and clear expectations for children and families.

Compensation

$18.54 – $20.17 per hour

Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, location, applicable licensing requirements, and internal equity. This position may also be eligible for performance‑based incentives and/or additional benefits.

Ready to Grow With COA?

If you're passionate about early childhood education and want to teach, lead, inspire, and make a difference, we'd love to meet you!

Join Children of America and build your career while helping children build theirs.

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.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.