Preschool Lead Teacher

Especially for Children•Minneapolis, MN

3d•$17 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Cadence Education is hiring a Preschool Lead Teacher to create a safe, engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. Under the direction of the School Director, the Lead Teacher plans and delivers curriculum, leads classroom operations, implements Cadence Education programs, and supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and developmental needs, including children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The role also involves modeling professionalism, meeting licensing and safety requirements, and partnering with families and team members to support each child’s growth and success. The position is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Schedules may vary with enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs; schedules are not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts, and daily end times are not guaranteed. Flexibility is essential. Required trainings, meetings, and professional development may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours. The listed hourly pay rate is $17–$22. Cadence Education describes a supportive, collaborative work environment and provides tools and resources to support educators’ success and professional growth.

Requirements

Meet applicable Minnesota Department of Human Services licensing qualifications for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.
Meet required DHS licensing qualifications, which may be established through a qualifying combination of education, approved coursework, credentials, and professional experience. Listed pathways may include a high school diploma or GED plus required experience, college coursework in early childhood education, or a CDA, CCP, EEC, or NAC credential.
Be able to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
Demonstrate the ability to follow safety procedures, including Name-to-Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle-feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
Be able to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care.
Have strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Be flexible with schedules, which may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs; shifts are not guaranteed to be eight hours and daily end times may vary.

Nice To Haves

An associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.
A minimum of 6–12 months of early childhood or classroom experience is preferred, depending on education and credentials.
A CDA is preferred, but is not required if state requirements are met.

Responsibilities

Create a warm, welcoming, inclusive classroom where each child is treated with dignity, respect, and care.
Build positive, professional relationships with children and families through daily greetings and ongoing communication.
Recognize and respond to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including implementing IEPs and behavioral support plans as required.
Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence Education’s educational philosophy and Signature Programs.
Use Cadence-required systems and communication tools to communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership.
Maintain a safe, well-supervised classroom and follow the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual.
Document and report accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors in accordance with company policy and licensing requirements.
Follow Cadence Education policies, procedures, and standards in the Employee Handbook.
Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours.
Follow safety procedures, including Name-to-Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle-feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
Manage the classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care.