Job Description

As a Child Care Teacher utilizing the Reggio Emilia approach, I plan, develop, and implement child-centered, creative, and adaptive lesson plans. I provide a safe, engaging, and secure environment for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Working as part of a teaching team, I ensure that interactions with children support their self-esteem, promoting their growth and development. I aim to make learning fun, encouraging children to explore and realize their full potential. I communicate effectively with parents and team members, supporting families in achieving their parenting goals.

Licensure/Certification:

• Preferred: Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate.
• Required for continued employment: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred).

Experience:

• Required: At least 2 years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 6 years (paid or unpaid).
• Preferred: Experience working specifically with children aged 6 weeks to 2 years and previous experience in a care center environment.
• Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia approach to education is preferred.

Education/Training:

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of 40 hours of coursework in Early Childhood Education or a related field (e.g., Child Psychology, Children’s Literature).
• Preferred: Bachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond to the needs of children and plan, develop, and implement age-appropriate lesson plans for the assigned classroom.
• Document children’s daily progress, activities, and prepare reports for parents.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and engaging classroom environment, free from health hazards.
• Prepare ongoing assessments and document children’s progress and activities.
• Supervise teacher aides and volunteers assigned to the classroom.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Physical: Lifting less than 20 lbs, frequent bending, climbing (steps, ladders), and other physical activities as needed.
• Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, reasoning, problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity. Must have clear speech, good hearing, and legible writing.
• Emotional: Ability to manage a fast-paced environment, handle multiple priorities, and maintain composure in noisy, dynamic settings. Flexible with frequent changes in the work environment.

Skills Desired:

• Experience as an educator, with a passion for working with children birth-5 years old.
• Desire for continued professional development (CDA, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree).
• Strong collaboration skills with other educators and confident communication with families.
• Knowledgeable in the Reggio Emilia methodology, with an interest in play-driven, kinesthetic, and multi-sensory learning.
• Ability to work with children in a Reggio-inspired setting that emphasizes creative exploration without the use of worksheets or television for educational purposes.