Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher - Columbus

Clever Bee Academy; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Supportive leadership

Competitive pay

Job summary

Clever Bee Academy in Columbus, Ohio is seeking a Transitional Pre-K Lead Teacher to support children ages 3–5 in their development and readiness for kindergarten. Responsibilities include leading a classroom, collaborating with families and staff, implementing an engaging curriculum, and documenting children’s growth. The ideal candidate should have relevant qualifications and experience, and enjoy working in a nurturing, family-like environment. The role offers competitive pay and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Prior classroom experience with preschool or Pre-K children strongly preferred.
• Ability to meet physical demands of a childcare environment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Pre-K classroom with engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.
• Implement Clever Bee Academy’s curriculum to support early literacy.
• Observe and document children’s development, tailoring activities to needs.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Comfort using classroom technology and management tools

Positive, collaborative attitude

Ability to stay organized and flexible

Education

Ohio Career Pathways Level III or higher

Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

12 ECE credits and relevant experience

Tools

iPads

Procare

Job description

About the Role

Clever Bee Academy is seeking an enthusiastic, nurturing, and organized Transitional Pre‑K Lead Teacher to support children ages 3–5 as they build confidence and skills for kindergarten. In this role, you’ll lead a Pre‑K classroom, partner closely with families and staff, and create a joyful, engaging learning environment that supports children’s social, emotional, and academic growth.

What You’ll Do

• Lead a Pre‑K classroom by planning and delivering engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that promote kindergarten readiness
• Implement Clever Bee Academy’s curriculum, including Read It Again and Ready 4 Math, to support early literacy and numeracy
• Create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and organized classroom environment
• Observe, assess, and document children’s development and tailor activities to individual needs
• Foster positive behaviors, emotional growth, and independence using proactive classroom strategies
• Build strong partnerships with families through regular communication and two annual parent‑teacher conferences using the Procare app
• Collaborate with the Assistant Teacher and center leadership to meet licensing and Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) standards
• Supervise daily routines, health practices, and classroom structure to ensure child safety and consistency

Required Qualifications

• Ohio Career Pathways Level III or higher
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education OR Bachelor’s degree in a related field (child development, special education, elementary education, or human services) with a minimum of 12 ECE credits and relevant experience
• CPR and First Aid certification and Mandated Reporter certification
• Prior classroom experience with preschool or Pre‑K children strongly preferred
• Ability to meet physical demands of a childcare environment, including lifting up to 60 lbs and supervising children indoors and outdoors
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available for this position

Skills That Help You Succeed

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort using classroom technology and management tools (iPads, Procare, etc.)
• Positive, collaborative attitude and passion for early childhood education
• Ability to stay organized, flexible, and engaged throughout the day

Why You’ll Love Clever Bee Academy

• Supportive leadership that values your ideas and growth
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• A close‑knit, family‑like community that celebrates your impact
• Competitive pay, consistent full‑time schedule, and meaningful work preparing children for kindergarten

Clever Bee Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.