Lead Teacher

Children of America | $18.00–$21.00 per hour

Inspire young minds. Make a difference. Build your career with Children of America!

Are you passionate about early childhood education and love helping children learn, grow, and reach their full potential? Children of America (COA) is seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and experienced Lead Teachers to join our growing team!

As a Lead Teacher, you'll play an important role in shaping children's early learning experiences. You'll lead classroom instruction, create engaging lesson plans, foster a nurturing learning environment, and partner with families to support each child's development.

At COA, we believe great teachers deserve opportunities to grow. We provide a supportive team environment, professional development, and opportunities to advance your career within our organization.

Why Join Children of America?

• Competitive Pay: $18.00–$21.00 per hour, based on experience and location.

• 50% Employee Childcare Discount: Enjoy significant savings on childcare for your family.

• Career Advancement: Opportunities to grow into leadership positions, including Assistant Director and Director roles. We love promoting from within!

• Educational Assistance: Access educational support and T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance.

• Financial Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick time, and paid holidays.

• Employee Recognition: Referral bonuses and recognition programs.

About Children of America

Children of America is a nationally accredited preschool with 65+ locations across 18 states, and we're continuing to grow!

We proudly serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years through our Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp programs.

Our culture celebrates individuality, teamwork, and professional development. We believe every educator brings unique strengths and experiences that make our schools stronger.

What You'll Do as a Lead Teacher

You'll take an active leadership role in your classroom, creating meaningful learning experiences and helping children develop the skills they need to succeed.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead daily classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum.

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.

• Create a safe, nurturing, structured, and positive classroom environment.

• Support children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

• Establish consistent classroom routines and developmentally appropriate expectations.

• Build positive relationships with children, parents, families, and fellow educators.

• Communicate professionally with families regarding children's progress and classroom experiences.

• Utilize classroom technology to document and share children's developmental milestones.

• Respond to children's individual needs with patience, empathy, and understanding.

• Collaborate with school leadership and teaching staff to maintain high-quality classroom experiences.

• Bring creativity, enthusiasm, professionalism, and a passion for teaching to work every day.

What We're Looking For

• High School Diploma or GED with required Early Childhood Education (ECE) credits or a CDA.

• Minimum of one year of experience working in a licensed childcare setting.

• CPR and First Aid certification, as required by applicable state regulations.

• Ability to meet all applicable state childcare licensing requirements.

• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and team members.

• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic classroom environment.

• A genuine passion for early childhood education and children's development.

• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning.

Our Mission & Values

At Children of America, our shared values guide everything we do:

• Accountability: Take ownership, follow through on commitments, and uphold our mission and values.

• Collaboration: Work together to achieve the best outcomes for children, families, and our teams.

• Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.

• Integrity: Make ethical decisions and treat others with respect.

• Consistency: Create dependable, supportive environments with clear expectations for children and families.

Compensation & Equal Employment Opportunity

Hourly compensation ranges from $18.00–$21.00, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity. This position may also be eligible for performance-based incentives or additional benefits.

Children of America is committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. This job description reflects the essential functions and expectations of the position and is intended to comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and applicable pay transparency requirements.

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 status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.