Teacher - Mercy Tots

Mercy Home Health; Lima (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Referral bonuses

403(b) with employer contributions

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Mercy Health in Lima, OH is seeking a Teacher I to support daily care, supervision, and development of young children in a safe, engaging classroom. You will implement age-appropriate learning activities and maintain routines while working with families and staff to meet licensing and health guidelines.

Required: High school diploma or GED, 1 year of early childhood experience, First Aid/CPR; Serve Safe Food Handler preferred. Join a team focused on growth, safety, and quality care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred.
• 1 year of experience in Early Childhood Education is required.
• Must pass all required background screenings for child care.
• First Aid and CPR certification is required within state timelines.
• Serve Safe Food Handler certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement age-appropriate educational activities and classroom experiences that support children’s developmental growth.
• Supervise children during daily routines including play, meals, learning activities, and rest periods to ensure safety and engagement.
• Maintain open communication with parents and families regarding children’s development, progress, and classroom activities.
• Support classroom operations by coordinating with the Program Teacher, Teacher Assistants, and Classroom Aides while maintaining required staff-to-child ratios.
• Prepare and organize educational materials and learning environments to support classroom instruction and activities.
• Promote children’s health and safety by following center policies, administering medications as authorized, and documenting incidents as required.
• Maintain classroom supplies and coordinate food and materials needed for daily activities.
• Respond professionally to parent concerns and support service recovery efforts to maintain positive family relationships.

Skills

Early childhood development

Developmentally appropriate practices

Licensing regulations knowledge

Classroom management

Curriculum planning

Strong communication

Mentoring staff

Organizational skills

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Primary Function/General Purpose Of Position

The Teacher I supports the daily care, supervision, and development of young children in a safe, nurturing, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment. This role assists in implementing age-appropriate learning activities, maintaining a structured classroom routine, and promoting positive social and emotional development. The Teacher I works closely with other teachers and center leadership to ensure a safe environment, support children’s individual needs, and maintain positive relationships with families while following all licensing, health, and safety guidelines.

Essential Job Functions

• Plan and implement age-appropriate educational activities and classroom experiences that support children’s developmental growth.
• Supervise children during daily routines including play, meals, learning activities, and rest periods to ensure safety and engagement.
• Maintain open communication with parents and families regarding children’s development, progress, and classroom activities.
• Support classroom operations by coordinating with the Program Teacher, Teacher Assistants, and Classroom Aides while maintaining required staff-to-child ratios.
• Prepare and organize educational materials and learning environments to support classroom instruction and activities.
• Promote children’s health and safety by following center policies, administering medications as authorized, and documenting incidents as required.
• Maintain classroom supplies and coordinate food and materials needed for daily activities.
• Respond professionally to parent concerns and support service recovery efforts to maintain positive family relationships.

Licensing/Certification

• First Aid and CPR certification in adult and pediatrics (required within state specific timeline)
• Serve Safe Food Handler certification from the Department of Health (preferred, may be required per Department of Health requirements by state)
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate (preferred)

Education

• High school diploma or GED (required)
• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or similar field (preferred)

Work Experience

• 1 year experience in Early Childhood Education (required)
• Successfully meets all state requirements and successfully completes all required background screenings for child care associates.

Training

• State approved Medication Administration Training (required within state specific timeline)
• State approved Daily Health Observation Training (required within state specific timeline)

Skills

• Knowledge of early childhood development principles and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Knowledge of state child care licensing regulations and health and safety standards.
• Strong classroom management and child guidance skills.
• Ability to assist with curriculum planning and classroom organization.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with children, families, and staff.
• Ability to mentor and support less experienced classroom staff.
• Organizational and time-management skills to maintain classroom structure and documentation requirements.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and maintain a safe learning environment.

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affir ... If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail]