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.

About Washburn University: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® 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. Counsel students to facilitate improved planning, assist students in progressing through the program, and safeguard that a high quality of care is provided to the children. Maintain records of students' progress. Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Keep the area (i.e., center organization, bulletin boards, displays, etc.) 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. Maintain the kitchen and dining area in a sanitary manner. Maintain inventory of food and consumable products.
• Review regulations, research industry publications, etc., to identify changes in childcare standards and trends. Relay information on changes in standards and regulations to the Manager/Technical Instructor to facilitate curriculum development, continued regulatory compliance, and high-quality care for children in the program.
• 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. Work with other teachers and staff in the program to identify and recruit advisory committee members who can provide consultation and advice related to the direction and development of the program.
• 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 following:
o Completion of 5 sessions of observation for not less than 2 1/2 consecutive hours per observation in licensed preschools or childcare centers; and one year of teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools, or one year of supervised practicum in licensed centers or preschools; or
o Completion of 7 semester hours of academic credit or equivalent training in child development or early childhood education; and 3 months' teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools, or 1 year of supervised practicum in licensed centers or preschools; or
o Credential as a child development associate CDA.
• 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.

Hourly, Full-time, Mon-Fri,    
Background Check Required