Early Childhood Educator - Classroom Teacher (Current and Anticipated Future Openings)

University of Arkansas; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a passionate Early Childhood Educator to join their vibrant team. This role involves creating engaging, developmentally appropriate curricula for young learners while fostering a nurturing environment. You will collaborate with families and colleagues, mentor new staff, and ensure compliance with licensing requirements. If you are dedicated to shaping young minds and are looking for a rewarding opportunity in early childhood education, this position is perfect for you. Join a community committed to educational excellence and make a difference in the lives of children and families.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience with young children or directing programs.
• Associate's degree in relevant field required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement play-based curriculum for children.
• Document children's development and maintain portfolios.

Skills

Curriculum Design

Mentoring

Child Development Knowledge

Professional Development Participation

Education

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Early Childhood Educator - Classroom Teacher (Current and Anticipated Future Openings)

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Locations: Fayetteville

Time Type: Full Time

Posted on: Posted 30+ Days Ago

Time Left to Apply: End Date: January 1, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)

Job Requisition ID: R0050020

Job Description

The Early Childhood Educator - Classroom Teacher (teaching associate) will work as a team member to develop predictable, yet flexible, routines and rituals that support children and families. The teaching associate, who may work with children 8 weeks to 5 years, will collaboratively design and implement developmentally appropriate, emergent, and play-based curriculum for children. The teaching associate will follow all licensing requirements and model nationally recommended practices for children, colleagues, university students, families, and other school visitors. The teaching associate will document and communicate the development of children by engaging in activities that include, but are not limited to: completing program-adopted assessment practices, collecting artifacts of learning, preparing weekly journals of classroom experiences, conducting parent-teacher conferences, and maintaining classroom and children’s portfolios. The teaching associate will also model for and mentor new teaching staff including part-time employees, undergraduate students, and aides.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• An associate’s degree in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, human development/family studies, early childhood special education or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Candidates may also be considered with an equivalency to an associate’s degree (AA) in early childhood education, which is defined by NAEYC as at least 60 college/university credits with at least 30 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, human development/family studies, or early childhood special education or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
• At least two years experience working with young children and/or directing early childhood programs.
• Demonstrated participation in professional development and/or professional organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree (BA/BS) in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, human development/family studies, early childhood special education or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
• An equivalency of a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education, which is defined by NAEYC as a baccalaureate degree in any discipline with at least 36 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, human development/family studies, or early childhood special education from an accredited institution of higher education.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Ability to understand the NAEYC accreditation process.
• Ability to model for and mentor undergraduate students and hourly aides.

Salary Information: $35,000 - $45,000 (Commensurate with education and experience)

Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Child Maltreatment, Criminal Background Check, FBI Background Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing.

Special Instructions to Applicants: When applying, for "other" document, please provide the names and contact information for two personal references.

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds inclusion, opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution.