Lead Teacher – Early Childhood Education

Build a Career. Inspire Young Minds. Make a Difference Every Day!

About Children of America (COA)

Join Children of America, a nationally accredited early childhood education provider with more than 65 locations across 18 states!

We believe exceptional teachers make exceptional schools. As a Lead Teacher, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact during the most important years of a child's development while working alongside a team that values your experience, creativity, and passion for education.

Our programs serve children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp.

At COA, we believe in creating an environment where educators feel supported, appreciated, and empowered to grow. We encourage our employees to bring their whole selves to work because your unique talents, experiences, and perspectives make our schools stronger.

If you're passionate about early childhood education and ready to take the lead in shaping young minds, we'd love to meet you!

Why Build Your Career at Children of America?

We invest in our teachers because we know their work matters.

• 50% Employee Childcare Discount – Enjoy meaningful savings on childcare.

• Career Advancement – Opportunities to grow into leadership and management positions.

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

• Competitive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance.

• Financial Security – 401(k) retirement plan.

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

• Employee Recognition – Referral bonuses and programs that celebrate employee contributions.

• Professional Development – Opportunities to strengthen your skills and advance your early childhood education career.

What You'll Do as a Lead Teacher

As a Lead Teacher, you'll take an active role in creating an engaging, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead Classroom Instruction: Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate daily lesson plans using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum.

• Create Meaningful Learning Experiences: Foster curiosity, creativity, social development, and early learning skills through hands-on activities.

• Build a Positive Classroom Environment: Maintain a safe, organized, structured, and welcoming space for children.

• Support Individual Development: Recognize each child's unique needs, interests, abilities, and developmental milestones.

• Partner with Families: Establish positive relationships with parents through professional communication and regular progress updates.

• Document Child Development: Utilize technology to maintain classroom records and communicate children's progress.

• Collaborate with Your Team: Work closely with fellow educators and school leadership to ensure consistent, high-quality care.

• Lead by Example: Demonstrate professionalism, patience, empathy, accountability, and a genuine passion for early childhood education.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for dedicated educators who are passionate about making a difference in children's lives and committed to delivering high-quality early childhood education.

Minimum Qualifications:

• CDA (Child Development Associate) or TCC (Teacher Certification Credential).

• At least 1 year of experience working in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting.

• Current CPR and First Aid certification.

• Ability to meet all applicable state childcare licensing requirements.

• Strong classroom management, organizational, and decision-making skills.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

• Ability to work collaboratively with parents, children, colleagues, and school leadership.

• Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive approach to challenging situations.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.

Our Mission & Values

At Children of America, our culture is built around five core values:

• Accountability: Take ownership of your responsibilities and commitments.

• Collaboration: Work together to create solutions and achieve shared goals.

• Growth Mindset: Embrace learning, feedback, and opportunities for improvement.

• Integrity: Lead with honesty, professionalism, and ethical decision-making.

• Consistency: Create dependable routines and expectations that help children and families thrive.

Compensation

Final compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, and internal equity. This position may also be eligible for performance-based incentives and additional benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Children of America is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.