Early Care Teacher

YWCA; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Paid time off

Professional development

Health, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Job summary

YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis is seeking a dedicated early childhood educator to support infants and toddlers within Head Start.

The role emphasizes development, safety, and family engagement in a supportive setting. Responsibilities include creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans, maintaining health and safety standards, collaborating with families and a family advocate, and documenting children's progress; a degree in ECE or CDA is preferred, with opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Ensure childcare indoor and outdoor environment meets health, safety, and mental health requirements of infants and toddlers per local/state/Head Start standards.
• Develop developmentally appropriate lesson plans based on Early Head Start curriculum.
• Foster nurturing relationships with infants, toddlers, and families to support development.
• Maintain accurate documentation of each child’s progress through daily observations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure childcare indoor and outdoor environment meets health, safety, and mental health requirements of infants and toddlers in accordance with local, state, and early head start standards.
• To ensure that the development and implementation of Lesson Plans are developmentally appropriate and based on the Early Head Start curriculum.
• To ensure that nurturing bonds are developed with each infant and toddler through individualized care.
• Ensure that positive and culturally sensitive relationships are fostered with parents and families to support development.
• Ensure accurate documentation has been maintained regarding each child’s development and growth through daily observation and recording of infants’ toddlers’ behavior and skill attainment.
• Ensure that screenings and ongoing assessments are conducted on each child’s growth and development.

Skills

Trust building

Teamwork

Classroom management

Communication

Cultural sensitivity

Diversity awareness

Health & safety

Physical stamina

Education

Early childhood degree or CDA

Job description

Description

Description

About YWCA

YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis (YWCA) has been serving the community for more than 120 years, providing essential, wraparound services that support women and families throughout their time in our programs. Each year, YWCA serves approximately 10,000 women and their families, offering a multitude of services. YWCA is the largest provider of direct Head Start services in Missouri, operating 8 centers and 11 partner sites, and we are proud to hold the National Program of Excellence accreditation from the National Head Start Association.

Why Work With Us?

• Meaningful Work - Every role at YWCA helps create positive change in the community.
• Supportive Environment - Join a team that values collaboration and mutual respect.
• Professional Development - Opportunities for training and career growth.
• Work-Life Balance - Flexible scheduling and generous paid time off.
• Competitive Benefits - Health, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Community Impact - Be part of programs that make a real difference for women, children, and families.

Our Signature Programs

• Early Childhood Education & Childcare – Providing safe, nurturing environments for children to learn and grow.
• Family Support Services – Helping families access resources and build stability.
• Health & Wellness Initiatives – Promoting physical and mental well-being through community programs.
• Advocacy & Outreach – Connecting individuals to opportunities and support systems that improve quality of life.

Purpose

To foster the social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development of infants and toddlers in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, Missouri Child Care Licensing Regulations, MOA Accreditation Standards and YWCA policies and procedures.

Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities

Formally responsible for providing input to, or suggestions regarding, the job’s purpose, essential responsibilities, and operation.

Routine Decision-Making

Ensure all steps necessary to maintain the health and safety of children in their care.

Take steps to ensure all equipment and supplies are in accordance with the curriculum.

Formal Supervisory Responsibility

None

Requirements

Description

• Ensure childcare indoor and outdoor environment meets the health, safety, and mental health requirements of infants and toddlers in accordance with local, state, and early head start standards.
• To ensure that the development and implementation of Lesson Plans are developmentally appropriate and based on the Early Head Start curriculum. To ensure that nurturing bonds are developed with each infant and toddler through individualized care.
• Ensure that positive and culturally sensitive relationships are fostered with parents and families to support the development of infants and toddlers through ongoing communication. Ensure that parents are provided opportunities for involvement in their infants’ toddlers’ education. Ensure that collaboration is established with family advocate to provide comprehensive and holistic services.
• Ensure accurate documentation has been maintained regarding each child’s development and growth through daily observation and recording of infants’ toddlers’ behavior and skill attainment.
• Ensure that screenings and ongoing assessments are conducted on each child’s growth and development. Ensure that screening and assessment results are utilized to plan effective individualized outcomes and meet individual needs.
• Ensure that observations and referrals are completed on infants and toddlers with potential development delays. Ensure that implementation of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals are incorporated into child’s daily routine.

To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability, and environmental conditions required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Job Requirements

Required Knowledge

In-depth knowledge of child development with an emphasis in birth to 3 years old.

Knowledge of birth to three Curriculum, Head Start Performance Standards, Missouri Licensing Regulations, and MOA Standards.

Through knowledge of implementing Developmentally Appropriate Practice in daily routine for infants and toddlers.

Required Skills or Abilities

• Ability to established trust, communicate respect, and development caring and nurturing relationships with children, parents, staff and the community.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Effectively manage the infant toddler classroom.
• Be able to process and apply information appropriately.
• Ability to incorporate the Head Start Performance Standards, Missouri Child Care Licensing Regulations, MOA Accreditation Standards into daily routine and care.
• Ability to develop and maintain nurturing relationships with infants and toddlers and their families.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population.
• Ability to maintain a healthy and safe environment for infants and toddlers.
• Be able to lift 40 lbs.
• Must be able to get up and down on the floor with the infants and toddlers.

Formal Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related degree with five (5) Early Childhood Education classes, or a CDA with concentration in infant/toddler services.

YWCA of Metro St. Louis is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind as defined by applicable federal, state, and local laws.