Early Childhood Educator II

University of Dayton; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Dayton seeks an experienced Early Childhood Educator II. This full-time role involves providing high-quality care and education for young children. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and a CDA, along with at least a year of teaching experience. Responsibilities include fostering a collaborative classroom environment and mentoring early childhood students. The position emphasizes professional growth and a commitment to inclusive education.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of teaching experience with infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers.
• Understanding of child-care licensing requirements and safety protocols.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality early care and education for infants and preschoolers.
• Work collaboratively to maintain a responsive classroom environment.
• Mentor and evaluate early childhood students.

Skills

Child Development

Collaboration

Communication

Professionalism

Education

High school diploma

Child Development Associate (CDA)

Job description

Overview

Apply now Job No: 503219
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: University Staff
Department: SEHS Bombeck Family Learning Cntr - 210300
Pay Grade: 5 - Non Exempt
Advertised: January 29, 2026
Applications close: Open until filled

Position Summary

Join the University of Dayton as an Early Childhood Educator II! The University of Dayton, a top-tier Catholic research university, seeks a passionate and experienced Early Childhood Educator II to join our esteemed School of Education and Health Sciences. This full-time position offers the opportunity to shape the minds and futures of our youngest learners while working in a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to excellence in education.

Responsibilities

Early Childhood educator IIs (ECEII) work with their educational team to provide high quality early care and education for infants, toddlers or preschoolers. They demonstrate an understanding of the NAEYC code of ethical conduct and incorporate ethical conduct throughout their practice. ECEIIs engage in collaborative planning and critical reflection to maintain a classroom where the environment, curriculum and responsive interactions are intentional and based on the most current research of the field. They provide a positive climate for children, families, early childhood students, team members and center staff. They create an environment where differences are valued and a growth mindset is expected. All members of the teaching team actively engage children and maintain classroom organization and routines using play-based and child-centered pedagogies. Teams work together to support social and emotional development that fosters positive behavior and brain development. ECEIIs provide responsive care and with quality feedback so that children understand concepts deeply, engage in inquiry, and establish a love of learning. All members of the teaching team mentor and evaluate early childhood students and provide them with the feedback needed to grow in their development as an early childhood professional. The ECEII is required to have skills in collaboration, team decision-making, mentoring and role release to foster a creative and caring environment for children, early childhood students, families and their colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Holds an high school diploma and a Child Development Associate credential (CDA)
• Has at least 1 year of teaching experience with infants, toddlers and/or preschoolers.
• Demonstrates understanding of child-care licensing requirements and safety protocols.
• Demonstrates understanding of developmentally appropriate practice that is child-centered and play-based
• Respects individual differences in children, families and peers
• Demonstrates understanding of the collaboration skills needed to work effectively as part of an educational team
• Demonstrates understanding of culturally responsive practice with children, families and peers
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism

Preferred Qualifications

• While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
• Has more than 1 year teaching experience with infants, toddlers and/preschools
• Demonstrates an understanding of the NAEYC code of ethical conduct

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position.

Closing Statement

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.