Question
5-10

Lead Preschool Teacher

3/3/2026

The Lead Teacher is responsible for developing and implementing play-based, age-appropriate lesson plans that foster physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development while maintaining a positive and safe classroom culture. This role also involves observing and assessing each child's progress to tailor instruction and communicating daily updates to parents and families.

Salary

18 - 20 USD

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

201-500 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

No

About The Company
Established in 2006, Yellow Brick Road (YBR) Early Childhood Development Center is a growing childcare and early learning organization with 30+ locations across Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. We operate three early learning brands, including Sonnet Montessori and Seeds to Seedlings, offering diverse learning environments and meaningful, long-term career pathways for early childhood professionals. Our centers provide safe, engaging environments where children thrive and where educators are empowered to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact. Our mission is to put good humans into the world and leave the world better than we found it. This mission guides how we care for children, partner with families, and invest in our educators every day. We are known for: • Stable, long-standing leadership • A collaborative, people-first culture • Strong relationships with families and local schools • Ongoing opportunities for professional growth and advancement As we continue to grow, we remain deeply committed to delivering exceptional early learning experiences while supporting educators through thoughtful leadership, consistent standards, and a shared sense of purpose.
About the Role

Description

The purpose of the Lead Teacher is to provide a nurturing, positive, and innovative learning environment where young children can thrive and develop essential skills for lifelong success. Through effective communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning, our teachers play a pivotal role in fostering a love for learning, promoting social and emotional development, and laying the foundation for academic achievement. By embracing our core values our teachers create a safe and stimulating space where each child is valued, respected, and supported on their own unique learning journey.


Our mission is to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it.


What You’ll Do:

Curriculum Planning and Implementation:

  • Develop and implement weekly play-based, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children that reflects our core values, program philosophy, and state educational standards.
  • Create a positive classroom culture that fosters a sense of belonging, safety, and curiosity.

Child Development Observation and Assessment:

  • Observe and assess the development and progress of each child and use this information to tailor instruction and support individual learning needs.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of child progress and development, reflecting our mission and commitment to communication and collaboration.

Classroom Management:

  • Establish and maintain a positive and respectful classroom culture where children feel safe, supported, and valued, embodying our core values of nurturing and positivity.
  • Manage classroom behavior effectively, using positive reinforcement and guidance techniques.

Parent and Family Communication:

  • Provide daily communication through the company’s Parent Communication app with parents and families to provide updates on their child's daily progress, activities, and development. Communication such as phone calls, written communication and in-person communication will be as needed or as outlined by company policy and procedure.
  • Collaborate with parents and families to support their child's individual learning and development at school and home.

Professional Development:

  • Participate in ongoing professional development and training to enhance teaching skills and stay current with best practices in early childhood education, embracing our core value of innovation.
  • Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to share ideas, resources, and best practices, that fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

  • Must have a CDA or 5 years of experience in a Preschool classroom.
  • Knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, which may include - standing or sitting for extended periods of time. Lifting and carrying young children and classroom materials. Bending, stooping, and kneeling to interact with children at their level. Ability to respond quickly to emergencies or situations requiring physical intervention.
  • Willingness to undergo background checks and meet state licensing requirements for working in a childcare setting.

Other Requirements:

  • Must be able to make the commute to the assigned school.
  • Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification, or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment.
  • Must be able and willing to perform physically demanding work, such as (but not limited to) lifting, carrying, kneeling, crouching, etc. and up to 65lbs.
  • Must have initiative and a “can do!” attitude.
  • Maintain a flexible and open-minded mindset.
  • Must be able to regularly use technology such as Microsoft Office, online lesson planning, daily reporting

What We Offer:

  • Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
  • Monday - Friday Schedule – No Weekends!
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
  • Employee Childcare Discount

The starting pay range for this position is $18 to $20 an hour and is applicable for candidates who will be working at our locations in Iowa. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Yellow Brick Road considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.


In addition to compensation benefits, Yellow Brick Road offers a variety of health and welfare benefits, based on eligibility, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and career development.

Key Skills
Curriculum PlanningLesson Plan ImplementationChild Development ObservationAssessmentClassroom ManagementPositive ReinforcementParent CommunicationCollaborationProfessional DevelopmentOrganizational SkillsInterpersonal SkillsMicrosoft OfficeTechnology UseFirst AidCPR
Categories
EducationSocial ServicesManagement & Leadership
Benefits
Professional DevelopmentGrowth Opportunities401(k) PlanHealth InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsurancePaid Time OffPaid HolidaysEmployee Childcare DiscountLife Insurance
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