Lead Educator

Description

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

The purpose of the Lead Educator 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 educators 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 educators create a safe and stimulating space where each child is valued, respected, and supported on their own unique learning journey.

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:

• Demonstrated experience working with young children in a licensed early childhood education setting.
• 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 $15 to $17 an hour and is applicable for candidates who will be working at our Maple Street location in Ankeny, 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.