Early Childhood Teacher (FT)

Summary: The Early Childhood Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where children are respected as capable, competent learners. Teachers implement developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based experiences grounded in the program's Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy, Conscious Discipline framework, Jewish values, and relationship-based practices while meeting all Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) licensing requirements.

Through observation, documentation, collaboration, and reflective practice, teachers foster children's curiosity, development, and well-being while building meaningful partnerships with families and colleagues. Teachers are active contributors to a collaborative learning community and are expected to engage in ongoing observation, documentation, reflection, and professional learning to strengthen children's experiences and continuously improve their own practice.

Teaching & Learning:

• Plan, implement, and facilitate curriculum aligned with Reggio Emilia principles, emphasizing inquiry, exploration, creativity, and relationship-based learning.
• Create and maintain classroom environments that support exploration and independence.
• Support children’s social-emotional development using Conscious Discipline strategies, including emotional regulation, problem-solving, and positive guidance.
• Observe, document, and interpret children’s learning, development, and behavior through anecdotal records, photos, portfolios, and written observations.
• Collaborate with teaching partners, Teacher Leaders, the Manager of Instructional Support (Pedagogist), and site leadership to support children's learning and strengthen classroom practice.
• Engage in ongoing reflective practice through observation, documentation, and collaboration to continuously strengthen teaching and learning.

Professionalism & Collaboration:

• Communicate professionally, respectfully, and clearly with families regarding children's development, daily experiences, and concerns.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences, meetings, and family events as required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, Teacher Leaders, supervisors, and support staff to ensure a positive and effective team environment.
• Participate actively in professional learning, coaching, and collaborative inquiry that supports continuous growth.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain continuous visual and auditory supervision of assigned children at all times, indoors and outdoors.
• Actively position self to monitor children during play, routines, transitions, rest periods, meals, toileting, and all program activities.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to injuries, illness, behavioral incidents, or unsafe conditions.
• Adhere to required staff-to-child ratios and licensing regulations at all times.
• Complete required documentation accurately and timely, including daily reports, injury reports, incident reports, and licensing records.
• Serve as a mandated reporter, following all state and agency protocols.
• Participate in emergency drills and follow health, safety, and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain required certifications, training courses, including First Aid, CPR, background screenings, and health requirements.
• Maintain classroom environments, documentation, and instructional practices that reflect the program's educational philosophy and quality expectations.

Work Schedule Expectations

• Program operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Teacher must have the ability and flexibility to work in any classroom, as assigned.
• Teachers must have flexibility to work assigned shifts within program operating hours.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to meeting licensing and supervision requirements.