Assistant Teacher

Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour

Job description:

Co-Lead Preschool Teacher (Experienced Early Childhood Educator)
Leap Ahead Preschool – Boise, ID

Leap Ahead Preschool is a high-quality, hands-on preschool program serving children ages 3–5. We are seeking a strong, experienced Early Childhood Educator to join our team as a Co-Lead Teacher, working directly alongside the owner/director in our preschool classroom.

The owner is extremely passionate about the preschool classroom and is looking for someone who shares that same passion for early childhood education. This role is ideal for someone who is educated, hard-working, and genuinely cares about creating an exceptional preschool experience, and who wants to work together as a team to make this program one of the best around while helping support and lighten the director’s daily workload.

This is not an entry-level role. We are looking for someone who can step into both assistant and lead responsibilities, share daily classroom duties, and confidently run the classroom independently when needed.

About Our Program

We are a structured, play-based program that blends curriculum with hands-on learning and exploration.

We use:

• Experience Early Learning
• Handwriting Without Tears
• Zoo-phonics

Our days include:

• Fine motor and hands-on learning activities
• Social-emotional coaching during play
• Long periods of child-led play with active teacher support
• 3–4 hours of outdoor time daily (year-round, weather permitting)

We garden, use a mud kitchen, and encourage children to explore, create, and get messy.

Role Overview

This is a shared leadership position in a classroom of up to 20 children.

You will:

• Split daily responsibilities with the director
• Take full lead of the classroom when the director is out
• Help maintain a high-quality, structured, and engaging environment

This role requires someone who is highly capable, proactive, and confident managing a large group of children while maintaining strong supervision and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-lead and manage a preschool classroom (ages 3–5)
• Lead engaging, high-quality circle time (music, movement, stories, games)
• Plan and support hands-on learning activities
• Actively supervise children and ensure safety at all times
• Provide strong social-emotional guidance and behavior support
• Communicate professionally with parents (in person and through apps)
• Maintain a clean, organized classroom throughout the day
• Assist with toileting, diapering, and clothing changes as needed
• Support daily cleaning tasks (floors, bathrooms, toys, surfaces)
• Work collaboratively and step into full leadership when needed

Who This Role Is Best For

This is a fast-paced, physically active role and not a sit-down job.

You will be on your feet all day multitasking, cleaning, supervising, and engaging with children.

We are looking for someone who:
✔ Has 3–5 years experience in a licensed childcare center (more preferred)
✔ Has worked in more than one center (strongly preferred)
✔ Is confident leading a classroom independently
✔ Works quickly, efficiently, and stays organized
✔ Has strong classroom management and multitasking skills
✔ Understands child development and social-emotional coaching
✔ Is engaging, energetic, and willing to sing, dance, and be interactive
✔ Takes pride in cleanliness and organization
✔ Is reliable, professional, and has a strong work ethic
✔ Builds strong relationships with children and families

Physical & Environmental Requirements

✔ Be on your feet for a full 8-hour shift
✔ Lift up to 40 pounds
✔ Perform daily cleaning tasks
✔ Work outdoors in all seasons (including cold weather)
✔ Assist with diapering, handwashing, and hygiene
✔ Maintain a clean, safe, organized environment at all times

Cleaning is a critical part of this role.

Compensation & Performance-Based Growth

Base pay is $17–$19 per hour, depending on experience.

In addition, the following bonuses are available:

• $1/hour Attendance Bonus (reliability and punctuality)
• $1/hour Performance Bonus (earned once the candidate is fully trained and capable of leading the classroom independently for a full day)

This brings typical pay to $19–$21 per hour for strong, consistent performers.

Pay above $20–$21 per hour is reserved for top-performing teachers who consistently demonstrate a high level of capability and ownership in the classroom.

To earn higher pay, candidates must prove they can:

• Confidently run the classroom independently so the director can be out
• Keep children happy, engaged, safe, and well cared for at all times
• Provide stimulating, hands-on, and developmentally appropriate activities
• Build strong, positive relationships with children and families
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-run classroom environment
• Contribute to a positive team culture and smooth daily operations

We reward teachers who take pride in their work and consistently create an environment where:

• Children are happy and thriving
• The classroom is clean and organized
• Families feel confident and supported

Teachers who demonstrate this level of performance and consistency will have the opportunity to earn higher hourly pay over time.

Requirements Upon Hire

• Background check/fingerprints
• CPR & First Aid certification
• Idaho Stars training, minimum of 20-30 hours, preferred more

We assist with these, but candidates must complete them promptly.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Professional dress and appearance required
• Strong teamwork and communication expected
• Must be able to work quickly and stay active and busy the entire day
• Must follow structure, routines, and expectations
• Must be dependable with minimal absences

Why Work at Leap Ahead

• Supportive leadership and clear expectations
• High-quality, structured program
• Strong, positive team culture
• Performance-based growth opportunities
• Meaningful work building relationships with children

Leap Ahead Preschool is known for creating a fun, engaging, and “magical” environment while maintaining high standards for care, cleanliness, and professionalism.

Work Location: In person