Preschool Lead Teacher & Teacher Aide UBC Academy - 3.0 Columbia, MO Job Details Full-time $15 - $18 an hour 5 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Employee discount Qualifications School experience CPR Certification Teamwork Interpersonal skills Employee relationship building Interactive activities lessons (early childhood general education) Math First Aid Certification Working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds Organizational skills Working with families Instructional materials development Teaching science Teaching experience with young children Religious teaching Parent-teacher conferences (communication methods) Positive guidance disciplinary approach Full Job Description Preschool Lead Teacher UCB Academy - Columbia, Missouri Job Overview UCB Academy is seeking a passionate, dependable, and energetic Preschool Lead Teacher to inspire young learners and create a nurturing, engaging classroom environment. As a faith-based early childhood education program, UCB Academy is committed to providing children with a strong educational and spiritual foundation. Our teachers model kindness, patience, integrity, respect, and compassion while helping children grow academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The Preschool Lead Teacher will oversee daily classroom instruction, develop creative lesson plans, maintain a safe and structured environment, and build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff members. Primary Responsibilities Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that support early literacy, mathematics, science, sensory exploration, fine and gross motor development, and social-emotional learning. Incorporate age-appropriate, faith-based lessons, prayer, character development, and biblical principles into the classroom experience. Establish consistent classroom routines, expectations, and positive behavior-management practices. Create a safe, inclusive, organized, and welcoming classroom where every child feels loved, valued, and encouraged to participate. Observe and document each child's development, progress, interests, strengths, and areas needing additional support. Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and guardians regarding classroom activities, developmental milestones, behavior, and concerns. Prepare and maintain lesson plans, attendance records, child-development documentation, incident reports, and other required classroom records. Supervise and mentor assistant teachers, classroom aides, and volunteers while promoting teamwork and professional accountability. Follow all UCB Academy policies and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) childcare licensing requirements. Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and provide active supervision of children at all times. Follow mandated-reporting requirements and immediately report concerns involving a child's safety or welfare. Maintain classroom cleanliness and ensure toys, learning materials, and equipment are safe and properly sanitized. Participate in staff meetings, professional-development opportunities, required training, and Academy events. Work cooperatively with UCB Academy's leadership team to support the mission, vision, and continued growth of the Academy. Qualifications and Requirements Previous experience working with children in a preschool, childcare center, daycare, or other early childhood setting is required. Lead-teacher experience is strongly preferred. Strong understanding of child development, classroom management, positive guidance, and age-appropriate teaching practices. Ability to create engaging lesson plans that include literacy, mathematics, sensory activities, creative arts, movement, and social skills. Excellent communication, organization, leadership, and teamwork skills. Ability to work compassionately and effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of special-education needs and early-intervention strategies is preferred. Must be dependable, patient, energetic, flexible, and able to maintain professionalism. Must support and respectfully uphold UCB Academy's faith-based mission and values. Must be willing to complete all training required by UCB Academy and Missouri DESE. Current First Aid and CPR certification is required or must be obtained within the required timeframe. Must successfully complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Must complete a physical examination and provide documentation of required tuberculosis (TB) testing or screening. Must meet all state licensing and employment requirements before working independently with children. Physical Requirements The employee must be able to: Safely lift and carry children when necessary. Sit on the floor, bend, kneel, stand, and move throughout the classroom. Supervise children indoors and outdoors. Respond quickly and appropriately during emergencies. Perform the essential responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Why Join UCB Academy? At UCB Academy, we do more than teach—we inspire, educate, and help children achieve. Our team is dedicated to providing a loving, structured, and faith-centered environment where children can learn through purposeful play, exploration, creativity, and compassionate guidance. This position offers an opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Join the UCB Academy family and help us shape young minds, strengthen character, and build a foundation for lifelong learning! UCB Academy is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required screenings, documentation, and licensing requirements.

Pay:

$15.00 - $18.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person