Lead Teacher - Head Start

Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC); Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 67,079,000 - 70,431,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off and Paid 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 warm, welcoming classroom and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction that supports children's social, emotional, and educational growth.

This role includes supervising co-teachers, planning lessons, maintaining licensing and Head Start standards, and building positive relationships with children and families to foster a strong early learning foundation.

Qualifications

• AA/AAS in Early Childhood Education is required.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

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.

Skills

Effective communication

Classroom management

Confidentiality

Collaboration

Developmentally appropriate practices

Education

AA/AAS in Early Childhood Education

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

Supervisory experience

Job description

Position Information

Position Title: Lead Teacher

Department: Head Start

Location: Stewart Head Start

Reports To: Center Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Type: Full-Time / Full Year (Extended Day Model)

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
• 7:30-3:30 or 8:00-4:00
• 40 hours per week
• Full 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
• 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: $23.41 – $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 24, 2026

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.