Early Childhood Teacher II

University of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 44,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Hampshire’s Laboratory School in Durham seeks an Early Childhood Teacher II to lead developmentally responsive curricula for infants to preschoolers and to supervise staff and students. You will design, implement, and assess learning experiences, and foster partnerships with families and university learners.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and NH ECPD credential, with six years of related experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Preschool Education, or Elementary Education (including at least six credits in Early Childhood/Preschool Education) and six years of related ECE experience.
• New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Development Credential for Early Childhood Educator.

Responsibilities

• Lead developmentally, culturally, and linguistically responsive curriculum.
• Observe, assess, and document children's growth; inform curriculum planning.
• Supervise and ensure safety across classroom activities and routines.
• Mentor interns, practicum students, and teaching assistants.
• Coordinate classroom operations and staffing to meet program goals.

Skills

Curriculum planning

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Documentation

Safety & wellbeing

Child development knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

Job description

The Early Childhood Teacher II position is part of the UNH Laboratory School within the College of Health and Human Services, Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Reporting to the Director and Assistant Director, the teacher collaborates with classroom staff to plan, implement, and assess high-quality early childhood programs for children, families, and university students. The position may be assigned to infant, toddler, or preschool classrooms based on program needs.

Duties/Responsibilities

(60%) Curriculum and Teaching

• Provide leadership in the design, implementation, and continuous evaluation of developmentally, culturally, and linguistically responsive curriculum and learning experiences.
• Lead the observation, assessment, and documentation of children's growth and development, ensuring data-informed curriculum planning and individualized support strategies.
• Establish, maintain, and monitor a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that promotes high-quality teaching practices, child well-being, and positive developmental outcomes.
• Assume primary responsibility for the supervision, safety, and overall learning experience of children across all classroom activities, routines, and transitions.
• Guide and support teaching team members in implementing curriculum, classroom management practices, and strategies that advance program quality and consistency.

(30%) Classroom Leadership and Team Collaboration

• Lead the development of strong partnerships with families through proactive communication, family conferences, engagement opportunities, and collaborative goal setting.
• Provide day-to-day leadership for classroom operations, fostering shared decision-making, accountability, and effective collaboration among teaching team members.
• Mentor, supervise, and evaluate student interns, teaching assistants, practicum students, and other assigned personnel to support professional growth and high-quality practice.
• Coordinate and delegate classroom responsibilities to ensure effective staffing, continuity of care, and successful implementation of program goals.
• Serve as a resource and role model for colleagues by promoting best practices in early childhood education and family engagement.

(10%) Program Operations, Documentation, and Professional Leadership

• Oversee the accuracy, quality, and timely completion of child, family, assessment, and classroom documentation to ensure compliance with licensing, accreditation, and program standards.
• Actively contribute to program leadership through participation in committees, strategic initiatives, professional development, and center-wide decision-making processes.
• Support and advance research, advocacy, innovation, and continuous quality improvement efforts aligned with the center's mission and strategic priorities.
• Monitor classroom operations and contribute to maintaining exemplary standards related to health, safety, risk management, and facility care.
• Represent the program in professional and community activities, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Preschool Education, or Elementary Education (including at least six credits in Early Childhood/Preschool Education) and six (6) years of related ECE experience.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Development Credential for Early Childhood Educator.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
• Ability to plan, implement, assess, and adapt curriculum based on children's interests, strengths, and developmental needs.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, colleagues, and university students.
• Effective leadership, collaboration, and mentoring skills, including the ability to supervise interns and teaching assistants.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform the physical requirements of an early childhood classroom.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification.
• Experience in a NAEYC-accredited program, laboratory school setting, or supervising student teachers/interns preferred.
• Experience mentoring college students or supporting preservice educators is highly preferred.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range

$43,710.00 - $77,920.00

Location

Durham