Afternoon/Closing Lead

Sunshine Academy • Laurel, MT

7d • Onsite

About The Position

We're looking for an Afternoon Lead Teacher / Closing Supervisor to help lead our afternoon team and ensure our center finishes each day strong. This role is perfect for someone who is equal parts leader, cheerleader, problem-solver, and role model. Think Miss Frizzle meets dependable team captain — someone who can bring the sunshine, keep things organized, support staff, and create a positive experience for children, families, and teammates. At The Sunshine Academy, we believe each child is uniquely prepared, eager to learn, and full of potential. Our mission is to partner with parents to provide a safe environment that fosters adventure, exploration, and a lifelong love of learning. Our school emphasizes prosocial skills, character development, and hands-on learning experiences. Supported by the Montana Early Learning Standards and rooted in Christian values, our program combines purposeful learning with meaningful relationships. We are looking for a dependable leader who will help us uphold our pillars of excellence by creating a Safe, Nurturing, Reliable, Positive, and Enriching environment for children, families, and staff.

Requirements

• Available to work approximately 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• Naturally step into leadership and enjoy helping others succeed.
• Confidently guide and support afternoon staff while maintaining a positive, encouraging atmosphere.
• Lead by example and be willing to jump in wherever help is needed.
• Calm under pressure and can make sound decisions when unexpected situations arise.
• Experience working with children and genuinely delight in their growth, learning, and imagination.
• Understand that consistency, reliability, and strong routines create security for children.
• Enjoy coaching others and helping teammates develop their skills and confidence.
• Can anticipate needs, identify potential challenges, and proactively solve problems before they become bigger issues.
• Relationship-driven and understand that great teams are built on trust, communication, and accountability.
• Can have kind but direct conversations when needed for the good of the team and children.
• Adaptable and can confidently shift priorities when the day requires it.
• Enjoy taking ownership and ensuring tasks are completed without needing constant direction.
• Resourceful and can think outside the box when challenges arise.
• Bring energy, positivity, and encouragement to the people around you.
• Comfortable helping oversee afternoon operations, classroom transitions, staff breaks, and closing procedures.
• Believe every child, family, and coworker deserves to be treated with respect and kindness.
• Value integrity and do the right thing even when nobody is watching.
• Understand that gossip, negativity, and drama have no place on a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead afternoon staff across classrooms.
• Ensure classrooms remain in ratio and maintain high standards of care throughout the afternoon.
• Assist with classroom coverage, transitions, breaks, and end-of-day routines.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and team members.
• Model Sunshine Academy expectations and culture.
• Communicate important updates to leadership and staff.
• Help maintain a safe, nurturing, organized, and engaging environment.
• Lead the center's closing procedures and ensure the building is secure and ready for the next day.
• Step in wherever needed to help the team finish the day successfully.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed