Early Childhood Teacher (FT)

Job Details: Job Location: JCC Main (SFC)

• St. Louis, MO, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $17.50 - $22.00Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Early Childhood Education, 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications Minimum age of 18. High School Diploma or GED required. Minimum of nine (9) credit hours in Early Childhood Education. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively while engaging in reflective practice and continuous professional growth. Basic computer proficiency, including electronic communication, documentation, and classroom management systems. Ability to meet all physical requirements of the position, including being able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, inell and lift children up to 50lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field. Prior experience working in a licensed early childhood setting. Experience with observation-based curriculum planning and documentation. Training or experience with Reggio Emilia-inspired practices and/or Conscious Discipline.

Demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, and commitment to ongoing professional learning. Additional Employment Requirements Registration with the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry, maintained throughout employment. Completion of required health screenings, including TB screening and/or testing and Hepatitis A vaccination, per state regulations.

Completion of at least 18 clock hours of continuing education annually, as required by licensing and accreditation.