Position Title: Child Care Teacher
Location: Richmond, VA
Engagement Type: Direct Hire
Work Mode: On-site
Duration: 3 Months
Interview Type: Not stated
Role Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child Care Teacher to join our team. Utilizing the Reggio educational approach, you will plan, develop, and implement creative lesson plans while maintaining a safe, secure, and highly engaging environment for children ranging from six weeks to six years of age. As a core member of our teaching staff, you will foster autonomy, nurture self-esteem, and facilitate cognitive, social, and motor development. This is a highly collaborative role focused on making learning an exciting process that helps every child reach their full potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that promote cognitive, social, and gross/fine motor skills.
- Supervise teacher aides and volunteers, ensuring comprehensive coverage and engagement in indoor and outdoor classrooms.
- Document daily progress, prepare written records for each child, and maintain open communication channels to review transitions with parents and staff.
- Foster children's independence, language skills, and self-esteem through positive interactions and respect for their unique abilities.
- Ensure adherence to all licensing, accrediting standards, and organizational policies, including strict infection control and environmental safety procedures.
- Maintain a clean, hazard-free classroom by routinely sanitizing furniture and toys, sweeping floors, safely storing cleaning solutions, and monitoring play areas.
- Actively participate in collaborative team meetings, continuing education (CE) events, and special projects.
Required Skills & Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of formal, verifiable childcare experience working with children aged six weeks to six years.
- Two-year degree in early childhood education, child psychology, or a closely related field; OR a High School Diploma (or equivalent) supplemented by at least 40 hours of related coursework; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong reasoning, problem-solving, reading, comprehension, and logical thinking abilities.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to hear effectively, speak clearly, write legibly, and manage frequent interactions with parents and staff.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly dynamic, and often noisy environment while managing multiple priorities.
- Physical capability to manage classroom demands, including frequent bending and climbing (steps, ladders, etc.).
Preferred Skills
- Direct experience caring for and educating infants and toddlers (six weeks to two years old).
- Familiarity with and understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophical approach to early childhood education.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate.
Additional Details
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday.
Hours: The child care center is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The selected candidate will work a 7.5-hour shift within this timeframe.