The Trails School for Early Learning is seeking an Early Childhood Teacher to work with students ages 15 -24 months who can passionately support young children’s play, exploration, inquiry, and creative/critical thinking, while working collaboratively to provide the highest quality childcare to our families. The Early Childhood Teacher is also responsible for setting and maintaining the physical environment of the classroom, planning an exciting and dynamic curriculum and working collaboratively with Co-Teachers and coaching Assistant Teachers.

The Trails School is a year-round program with faculty working in 8 hour shifts between the school's operating hours of 7:30am-5:30pm. Full-time faculty work 40 hours per week with shifts and breaks coordinated with the Director.

Please visit trailsschool.com for more information, and visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awe83ddISgw for a virtual tour of the program.

Job Responsibilities

• Create an effective environment for learning through daily provocations, invitations to learn and intentional presentation of materials
• Collaborate with classroom team to develop large and small group investigations arising out of thoughtful reflection of children’s interest and promote opportunities for creative thinking, skill-building, playful experiences, and meaningful relationships
• Advocate for the learning, theories and ideas of young children and yourself as a teacher through documentation, display and presentation in daily photo posts, a weekly blog and in children’s portfolios
• Provide nurturing, sensitive and individualized care to children and create an inviting classroom environment (i.e. diaper changing, supporting family style eating, keeping the classroom clean and tidy)
• Model developmentally appropriate and professional early childhood teaching practices and set a positive, fun and collaborative tone for the classroom
• Ensure that classroom environment and procedures meet DCFS standards
• Communicate effectively and openly with parents, administration and colleagues and develop mutually supportive relationships
• Teachers coach Assistant Teachers by providing feedback, delegating responsibilities and supporting Assistant Teacher’s professional growth
• Support and model positive discipline
• Collaborate with administrative team and incorporate feedback into teaching practice
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice, and take initiative to seek out professional articles and training opportunities to build on knowledge
• Participate in all school activities, including professional development, staff meetings and events, social events, special projects, field trips, and class celebrations

Employment Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 6 semester credit hours in early childhood education or child development. CPR/First Aid certified. Master's degree preferred. Familiarity with an emergent curriculum and relationship-based early childhood programs is desired. A commitment to securing continuing education related to employment at Trails is required.

Experience:
A minimum of one year working with young children in a school or child care setting is required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39,000.00 - $44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Early Childhood Education: 1 year (Preferred)
• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person