Education and Training
Junior Kindergarten Lead Teacher
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