Preschool Lead Teacher

Preschool Lead Teacher Ivybrook Academy Solon Solon, OH Job Details Part-time | Full-time $28,000 - $31,000 a year 19 hours ago Benefits Health insurance 401(k) Flexible schedule Referral program Qualifications School experience CPR Certification Teamwork Bachelor's degree First Aid Certification Classroom experience Parent-teacher conferences (communication methods) Full Job Description About Ivybrook Academy Solon Ivybrook Academy is a nationally recognized early childhood program built on a blended philosophy of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and project-based learning. Our classrooms are intentional learning environments designed to develop the whole child: curious, capable, and confident. We are not a daycare. We are something entirely different. Our Solon campus launches this summer with an inaugural camp program, followed by our first day of school on August 17. We are looking for Lead Educators to join our founding team. This Is a Founding Role Joining Ivybrook Solon right now means something different than stepping into an established classroom. You will help create one from the ground up: the environment, the routines, and the daily rhythms that families will experience for years to come. The educators who open our doors in August 2026 carry the Founding Educator designation throughout their time at Ivybrook Solon, recognizing that they were here at the beginning and built what came after. If you view early childhood education as a calling, and if the idea of building something from scratch alongside a strong leadership team genuinely excites you, we want to hear from you. What You Will Do Design and maintain a beautiful, intentional Reggio Emilia-inspired classroom environment Plan and implement daily curriculum grounded in Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and project-based learning Know every child in your classroom deeply: their interests, strengths, and learning style Build genuine relationships with families through weekly newsletters, parent conferences, and ongoing personal connection Maintain portfolio assessments for each child as a meaningful record of their growth and thinking Collaborate closely with the Director of Curriculum and Educator Development on instructional quality and professional growth Partner with the Director of Enrollment and Operations on family communication, classroom logistics, and day-to-day campus operations Who We Are Looking For We hire for passion and character first. Credentials matter, but they are not the whole picture.

The right person:

Sees early childhood education as a calling, not a job Holds a firm belief in the image of the child: that every child is capable, curious, and full of potential Talks about specific children with specific warmth and detail Can describe their teaching philosophy clearly and with conviction Has a pattern of going one step beyond what was required, not because they were told to, but because that is who they are Finds genuine joy in child-led, emergent learning Makes the people around them better Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred; candidates with equivalent experience encouraged to apply Experience in a quality preschool or early childhood setting Familiarity with Reggio Emilia and/or Montessori philosophy is a plus, not a requirement Ohio

BCII/FBI

background check clearance required before start Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain before start Compensation Starting salary: $28,000 to $31,000 per year for morning sessions, paid in 12 equal monthly installments year-round Salary grows to $34,000-$37,000 and $42,000-$46,000 as afternoon sessions launch and teaching load expands Salary continues through all school breaks, holidays, and summer closure. You are paid year-round, not just when school is in session Beginning next school year, our full 8-week summer camp program is included in your annual salary Performance bonuses tied to enrollment growth, re-enrollment, and professional excellence Year 1 tenure bonus of $500, growing each year through Year 5 $50 per child re-enrollment bonus paid each June Referral bonuses for families and educators you bring to the school $200-$500 credential advancement bonuses upon verified completion Public review bonuses up to $500 per year 25% tuition discount for your children enrolled at Ivybrook Solon 401(k) and health insurance planned as enrollment grows Schedule and Start Date This role begins with our inaugural summer camp, a 3-week program running July 20 through August 7. School year orientation week begins August 10, with the first day of school on August 17, 2026. Morning sessions run Monday through Friday, approximately 7:45 AM to 12:30 PM. Hours and salary grow as afternoon sessions launch. Our Leadership Team You will work directly with a Director of Enrollment and Operations and a Director of Curriculum and Educator Development, both experienced and well-regarded leaders in the Northeast Ohio early childhood community. This is a collaborative, well-supported environment built intentionally from day one.

Pay:

$28,000.00 - $31,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Work Location:

In person