Preschool Lead Teacher

Early Alpine Academy is a play-based relationship-driven early learning program located in the heart of downtown Bozeman. We serve children from infancy through preschool with consistent daily rhythms a team that truly shows up and a deep commitment to connectionbetween teachers and children between families and caregivers and within our teaching team itself.

Our classrooms and outdoor space are full of joyful play hands-on exploration and rich opportunities for social-emotional growth. Whether were building with blocks exploring nature or diving into art and STEAM projects we believe learning happens best when children feel safe seen and excited to be here. We work closely with Bozemans working families to create a warm dependable partnershipand a daily experience that feels as good as it is developmentally sound.

As a Lead Preschool Teacher youll lead a classroom of children generally ages 34 creating a place where children feel deeply known genuinely cared for and excited to come each day.

Relationships are at the foundation of how we teach but great early childhood education goes far beyond simply loving kids. Were looking for a teacher with a strong understanding of how young children learn and developand who knows how to turn that knowledge into joyful purposeful days filled with play exploration connection and growth.

Youll think about the whole child: social-emotional development language and communication fine and gross motor skills independence creativity problem solving and early academic concepts. Rather than bringing elementary school down to preschool youll know how to create environments and experiences where meaningful learning happens naturally through play.

Youll also take real ownership of your classroom. Youll lead an Assistant Teacher plan and manage the daily rhythm communicate closely with families and ensure your classroom is safe organized and meeting Early Alpines expectations and licensing requirements.

This role is ideal for an early childhood educator who loves children understands their development and is ready to take ownership of a classroom while being part of a collaborative team.

• Building meaningful relationships with children and creating a warm joyful classroom where 3- and 4-year-olds feel safe known and excited to spend their days

• Teaching through play using your knowledge of child development and childrens interests to create thoughtful experiences and environments that support social-emotional language cognitive physical creative and emerging academic development

• Supporting children through big emotions challenging behaviors friendships and growing independence with developmentally appropriate expectations patience consistency and connection

• Taking ownership of your classroom planning ahead managing daily rhythms and transitions and creating an engaging well-run environment

• Leading and collaborating with an Assistant Teacher providing clear direction sharing responsibilities and creating a strong classroom team

• Observing children and partnering with families staying attuned to each childs development and sharing meaningful observations updates and milestones through Brightwheel and daily conversations

• Maintaining a safe and organized classroom that consistently meets licensing requirements and Early Alpines standards for supervision health safety and care

• Meets state requirements for early childhood educators including eligibility for Montana Registry Level 2 the ability to pass background checks and current (or soon-to-be) CPR/First Aid certification

• Experience working with young children in a group setting

• Physically able to lift carry and engage with children throughout the day

• Dependable punctual and able to work a consistent 8 AM4 PM schedule

• Strong communicatorkind clear and comfortable with both children and adults

• Calm flexible and steady in a busy classroom environment
  

We believe caring for children starts with caring for our team. Early Alpine offers a thoughtful benefits package designed to support your health family and long-term wellbeing.

• Starting pay of $28/hour with additional pay based on ECP Registry Level

• Paid time off starting at 10 days per year increasing with tenure

• 5 paid sick days annually in addition to PTO

• Paid holidays

• Health insurance with employer contribution

• Dental vision voluntary life & AD&D and accident insurance options

• Health Savings Account (HSA) availability

• 401(k) with employer matchyou contribute 6% and Early Alpine contributes 4.5%

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child

• Employer-paid life & AD&D insurance

• Employer-paid long-term disability coverage

• Sabbatical program with a cash bonus and additional time off at 5 10 and 15 years

• Subsidized childcare at Early Alpine