Lead Teacher

Position Title: Lead Teacher

Department: WIT-Early Learning Center

Advertised Pay: $18.54/hr

Campus Location: Washburn Tech

Application Review: Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by July 8, 2026.

Position Summary

The primary focus of this position is providing Toddler/Preschool care at Little Learners at Washburn Tech, as well as providing a positive role model and evaluative feedback for students in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. The Lead Teacher will be expected to maintain a positive learning environment for both children enrolled at Little Learners and students in the ECE program.

Essential Functions

• At the direction of the Manager/Technical Instructor of the Early Childhood Education Program at Washburn University Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech), oversee and assist students in creating and implementing lesson plans and providing care to children in the program's care.
• Review and evaluate lesson plans, monitor activities, and provide feedback.
• Keep the area neat, orderly, and attractive for children and parents.
• Supervise the daily activities of the children in the childcare program, maintaining a continual presence to ensure the safety of the children at all times.
• Provide loving, nurturing care for each child, creating a wholesome and healthy environment for the children, and providing a good role model to the students.
• Assist students with writing developmentally appropriate lesson plans for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as creating necessary complementary materials and implementing lesson plans.
• Develop menus to meet the nutritional needs of young children and prepare food as needed.
• Review regulations, research industry publications, etc., to identify changes in childcare standards and trends.
• Maintain necessary paperwork on children to document compliance with health, safety, discipline, and confidentiality policies according to licensing requirements.
• Develop and maintain working relationships and constructive interaction with other teachers and personnel of the school, cooperating agencies, community groups, and program-specific business and industry.
• Actively participate in professional organizations, attend seminars, conferences, and workshops to maintain an awareness of current issues and developments in the program field to enhance and improve program effectiveness.
• Attend in-service training opportunities to stay well-informed in the field and comply with licensing regulations as a lead teacher.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Must qualify as a lead teacher according to KDHE regulations by fulfilling one of the specified criteria (observation hours + experience, academic credit + experience, or CDA credential).
• Required to have in-service training for communicable illnesses before hire.
• Certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR, basic child development, child abuse and neglect, with abusive head trauma, either before the date of employment or no later than 30 calendar days after the date of employment.

Physical Requirements

Ability to move and maneuver equipment, materials, and children weighing as much as 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of classroom experience.
• Some college coursework in education or early childhood education.
• Associate’s degree.