Lead Teacher - Head Start

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC); Aurora (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Medical and Dental Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Paid Training Opportunities

Family-Friendly Work Environment

Positive Team Culture

Job summary

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Head Start is seeking a Lead Teacher to create a welcoming classroom and support children's development through instruction, lesson planning, and responsive care.

The Lead Teacher will supervise staff, ensure licensing and Head Start standards compliance, and collaborate with families to promote learning. Schedule is Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week, full-time/part-year, with benefits and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (AA/AAS) in Early Childhood Education required.
• Transcript copy required with application.
• Supervisory experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a positive classroom environment.
• Provide developmentally appropriate instruction and lesson planning.
• Support children’s social, emotional, and educational development.
• Supervise and collaborate with co-teachers and classroom staff.
• Maintain State Licensing, Accreditation, and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Effective communication

Classroom management

Confidentiality

Family collaboration

DAP knowledge

Education

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

About Us

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing poverty and strengthening communities by providing services and support to individuals and families throughout the Ozarks.

Position Information

Position Title: Lead Teacher
Department: Head Start
Location: Aurora Head Start
Reports To: Center Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part Year

About Us

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing poverty and strengthening communities by providing services and support to individuals and families throughout the Ozarks.

Position Overview

OACAC Head Start is seeking motivated team members for the position of Lead Teacher. This role creates a warm, welcoming classroom environment while supporting children’s development through classroom instruction, lesson planning, and responsive care. The Lead Teacher also provides supervision to classroom staff and maintains compliance with licensing and program standards.

Work Schedule

• Monday–Friday
• 40 hours per week
• Part Year

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a positive classroom environment
• Provide developmentally appropriate instruction and lesson planning
• Support children’s social, emotional, and educational development
• Supervise and collaborate with co-teachers and classroom staff
• Maintain State Licensing, Accreditation, and Head Start Performance Standards
• Build positive relationships with children and families
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree (AA/AAS) in Early Childhood Education
• Copy of transcript required with application
• Supervisory experience
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child & Family Development, or related field

Required Skills And Abilities

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Classroom management and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to collaborate with families and staff
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices

Compensation

• Salary range: $22.29 - 24.58 per hour

Benefits

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Training Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Work Environment
• Positive Team Culture

Additional Information

Application Deadline: September 30th, 2026

Applicants may apply online at www.oac.ac. Applications and resumes are required by the deadline to be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring (if applicable)
• Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) background check

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status.