Early Education Lead Teacher

We are seeking Early Education Lead Teachers to join us as we expand our early education program to serve more families. This expansion includes the opening of a new Early Education Center in August 2026, with additional classrooms serving our two-year-old and four-year-old age groups. The new center will be located on our new north campus (13831 Aurora Avenue, in Urbandale) and is designed to be a joyful, Christ-centered space where our youngest learners are welcomed with care, guided with purpose, and invited to learn about God’s world through play and discovery. The Early Education Lead Teacher fulfills the mission of Des Moines Christian School by equipping the minds and nurturing the hearts of our youngest learners. This position leads the classroom and works as part of a classroom team committed to engaging children and fostering an environment where children can flourish in developing a strong spiritual, social-emotional, and academic foundation. Lead Teacher positions are full-time, year-round and scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. The anticipated start date is July 2026. Purpose of Position: The Early Education Lead Teacher fulfills the mission of Des Moines Christian School by equipping the minds and nurturing the hearts of our youngest learners. This position leads the classroom and works as part of a classroom team committed to engaging children and fostering an environment where children can flourish in developing a strong spiritual, social-emotional, and academic foundation. Position: ● Full Time Benefit Eligible / Calendar Year ● Hourly, at will employee Reports To: Early Education Director of Learning and Development Direct Reports: None Qualifications: ● High School Diploma or GED required. AA or BA/BS in Education preferred. ● A minimum experience of 2 years in early education is required. ● In agreement with the Des Moines Christian School Statement of Faith. ● In agreement with the Des Moines Christian School Biblical Convictions for Christian Education. ● Regularly attends and is actively involved in a church that affirms historic Christian orthodoxy (doctrine, faith, teaching, practice), consistent with the DMC Statement of Faith, through that church’s public creed, confession, core beliefs, or statement of faith. ● Professing believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and committed to growing in relationship with Him. ● Must be able to pass child abuse and background check. ● Various training prior to or able to obtain after hire: First Aid/CPR, Mandatory Child Abuse. Reporting, Universal Precautions, Child Care Essential Pre-Service Training. ● Must be physically able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds and work indoors or outdoors. ● Must be able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity with children. Professional Profile: ● Committed to the mission of DMC: Equipping minds and nurturing hearts to impact the world for Christ. ● A teacher and learner at heart who loves students of all ages and exudes enthusiasm for shepherding the growth of children. ● Characterized with integrity and maintains confidentiality. ● Utilizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ● Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills. ● Adapts communication style to suit different audiences. ● Demonstrates excellence in customer service skills. ● Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a part of a team. ● Demonstrates consistent spiritual leadership. Responsibilities: Instruction and Classroom Management ● Follows DMCS programming standards for Early Education excellence. ● Creates a safe, inviting and nurturing environment for children. ● Designs and implements daily lesson/activity plans using DMCS approved curriculum. ● Maintains accurate and timely child records and assessment data using DMCS provided electronic system. ● Integrates Biblical truth into all classroom learning. ● Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meets the multiple learning needs of students. ● Demonstrates competence in classroom management using positive discipline techniques. ● Collaborates with team in developing classroom plans and goals. ● Participates in meal/snack activities by assisting with preparing and serving food, eating with the children and cleaning up after. ● Models appropriate behavior and provides feedback. ● Meets all applicable licensing regulations and guidelines. Communication ● Maintains clear and consistent communication with room team to provide a seamless schedule and staff transitions throughout the day. ● Promotes a welcoming classroom setting that encourages parent participation. ● Partners with parents through effective, consistent communication including but not limited to: emails, newsletters, phone calls and conferences. ● Partners with parents to support, guide and share in their child’s growth and development. ● Cultivates positive relationships with families, teachers, state licensing authorities and community contacts. Other ● Serves others by enhancing the community at DMCS through active participation in school events including but not limited to family fun nights and open houses. ● Attends staff meetings and completes professional development requirements. ● All other duties as assigned