Junior Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Position Description

Employment Type: Full-time Date Prepared: 4/28/2026

Reports to:  Preschool Director FLSA Status:  Exempt

OVERVIEW:

The Junior Kindergarten teacher provides instruction in literacy and pre-writing, math, phonemic awareness, science, and Bible,  through rich literature and hands-on activities.  The teacher provides a rich feast of opportunities for children to learn by experimenting and doing:  through art, building, dramatic play, science, math, music, writing, and gross motor.  The teacher guides students in developing social/emotional skills and age-appropriate independence.  A good understanding of child development  is important, as Junior Kindergarten strikes the fine balance between Kindergarten preparation and developmentally appropriate activities and instruction for 4 and 5 year olds.  The classroom is a safe and stimulating environment where children are actively engaged, and their senses of wonder and curiosity are encouraged.  Class size is 16 with two teachers.

Curriculum:  Learning Without Tears (math and literacy)  dovetails with locally developed curriculum for enrichment topics.  Social emotional skills are taught and developed using the Pyramid Model.

Schedule:  Monday – Thursday 7:30 – 4:00 in class; Fridays are monthly in service or work from home.
Some weekend and evening requirements,  School  year schedule, August through May.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Prepare and implement weekly lesson plans following the provided scope & sequence.
Develop classroom activities based on knowledge of child development, early learning standards and developmentally appropriate practices.
Differentiate instruction to ensure all students’ needs are met.
Ensure compliance with all school policies and state regulations.
Provide guidance to Assistant Teachers on classroom routines and compliance requirements.
Maintain regular communication with parents through informal interaction, weekly email updates, progress reports, and conferences.
Complete individual student assessments to inform parent-teacher conferences.
Respond to parent communications and resolve concerns in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, Family and Child Development, or Child Psychology, (Associate’s degree considered), or
Current Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0 Level 2 or higher, as determined by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood or
Bachelor’s degree in other fields may be considered; additional early childhood related coursework may be required.
Ability to commit to ACA mission, statement of faith, and employee standards of conduct.
A minimum of one year experience working in a licensed early childhood setting or elementary school  (lead teacher, full time).  Preferred experience in Pre-K, Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten.
Must clear a full background check and pass a health screening.

Physically capable.  Able to lift up to 50 lbs, full range of motion, able to sit on the floor and  lead movement activities and games.

THE BEST CANDIDATES WILL HAVE:

Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.

Positive, guidance-based classroom management skills with young children.

Confidence in curriculum and student assessment; leadership and organizational skills.

Strong oral and written communication; basic computer skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills:  works well with children, parents, colleagues and administration.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

$39,000-$50,000 annual salary (based on experience & qualifications)
PTO: 4 full days per year
Sick Leave: 6 full days per year
School Closure Vacations:  1 week at Thanksgiving, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week Spring Break, plus various holidays
Partially sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plans (60% for full-time employees & 50% for dependents)
Life insurance: $25,000 ACA Tuition discount (20%) for dependents
Employee Continuing Education Tuition Benefit with Colorado Christian University