Preschool Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher

Are you passionate about working with young children? Are you looking to grow both personally and professionally? Are you patient, compassionate, kind, and energetic in nature? Our teaching team is the heart and soul of our amazing program, a vital part of our enhancements, and the key to creating teachable moments from everyday opportunities.

Our Early Learning Center is play-based and rooted in strong Jewish values that incorporate the Reggio Emilia educational approach by facilitating child-led, project-based learning through observation, documentation, and creating stimulating environments. Our educational philosophy is a self-guided curriculum using the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration, discovery, creation, and play. We strive to create a nurturing environment that grows lifelong learners through everyday experiences while valuing the importance of each child’s ability, curiosity, and uniqueness in the learning process.

We seek teachers who are team players and excellent communicators, have experience with or a desire to learn about curriculum planning and documentation of children’s learning and thinking, understand the importance of building a strong relationship with families, are self-reflective, and desire for personal and educational growth.

Teachers collaborate to plan how to extend the children's research through classroom provocations, open-ended inquiry, and small group work. We are looking for individuals who can help support a rich Jewish environment, have knowledge and understanding (or a willingness to learn) of Jewish values, holidays, and traditions, and understand the importance of building and being part of a strong and caring community.

The 2 positions we are hiring for are a Lead and an Assistant Infant/Toddler Teacher in a new 12 - 18 month class opening May 18. Working in our ELC involves working with a talented team of diverse educators with progressive educational practices in a fun, warm, creative, and nurturing environment for children ages 12 months to 5 years old.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily classroom life, including curriculum planning, health and safety, and open communication with a team of teachers and with families.
• Develop an emergent curriculum that shapes and inspires young minds, encourages social and emotional growth, and creates a rich atmosphere.
• Contribute to the healthy mental and emotional development of children.
• Work collaboratively with the teaching team, administrators, and specialists.
• Participates in supportive team meetings, staff meetings, and professional development training days.
• Perform as a facilitator in the growth and development of the children.
• Observe and document the children’s progress and development.

Skills and Specifications

• Strong organizational skills in classroom management and planning and teaching materials.
• Effective communication skills with collaborative and consistent communication with families and administrators regarding children’s educational growth.
• Positive interpersonal skills with coworkers and supervisors.
• Demonstrates flexibility and a growth mindset in keeping up with current educational techniques and instructional methods.
• Has a pedagogical approach to learning and views children as curious, competent learners.

Qualifications

The Lead Teacher must be qualified by the MSDE Office of Child Care as a Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher. Lead Teachers need certification in 90 hours, a Current CDA, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education (or a related field).

Additional certifications include a 9-hour communication course, ADA certification, MSDE-approved Basic Health & Safety, child CPR and First Aid certification, and a minimum of 2 years experience in a licensed Preschool or Childcare program.

The Assistant Teachers must have a High School Diploma, MSDE-approved Basic Health & Safety (or willing to take the course), child CPR and First Aid certification, and passion for working with young children.

Salary ranges from $18.00 - $24.00 an hour commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

• Healthcare Benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision (Employer covers 80% of insurance plan premium).
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and bereavement leave.
• Paid school closures, professional development, and training towards MSDE certification.
• Options to contribute towards FSA, HSA, and Dependent care funds.

A Note on Qualifications

Studies show that women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from marginalized communities often hesitate to apply unless they meet every single qualification. At Temple Shalom ELC, we know that no candidate meets 100% of the criteria—and we don’t expect you to.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Education

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience

• preschool teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Early childhood education: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• 90-hour certification, Current CDA, or Education Degree (Preferred)

Work Location: In person