Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher: Part-Time | Reggio Inspired, Cooperative School

Company Description

Downey Cooperative Preschool is a parent-run, non-profit organization located in Indianapolis’s historic Irvington district. With over sixty years of service, Downey emphasizes a collaborative and nurturing environment where children, parents, and teachers learn together. The school prioritizes individualized learning, helping children develop self-identity and social skills through engaging activities and developmentally appropriate equipment. Affiliated with the Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives, Downey offers an affordable program for families while encouraging active parent involvement.

Please apply at this link: Teacher Applicant Questionnaire 2026

Role Description

Downey Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten has a part-time Preschool teaching position(s) open for the 2026-2027 school year. Teaching position(s) may serve children ages 4–6, with schedules ranging from 9.5 to 16 hours per week, depending on the role. 

It is of utmost importance that each teacher at Downey appreciates and follows the philosophy of cooperative preschool and kindergarten education, which is premised on a triangulated learning process involving children, parents, and teachers.  Each teacher’s ideology should include an understanding of the parents’ involvement in the learning process, a respect for the contribution of every parent and child, and the ability to form constructive relationships with children and parents.

The Preschool Teacher will possess the knowledge and skills to:

• Establish a program and an environment in which the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of young children are understood and met; creativity is encouraged; individuality is appreciated and respected; and self-esteem is nurtured.
• Plan a curriculum that is based on both individual and group needs, interests, and abilities.  Select and present children with appropriate materials and equipment for learning. Allow time, space and freedom for children to choose, observe, experiment, and succeed as well as fail, such that this freedom is not detrimental to any individual or the group.
• Formulate a well-planned, yet flexible, schedule appropriate to the developmental needs of the group. Time classroom activities and determine the responsibilities of participating adults. Balance active and quiet play with occasional short group times.  Allow for free play time wherein children may choose materials and types of activities, and have the option of playing alone or with others. Provide time for children to rest and relax according to group needs.
• Arrange room, resources, and equipment to stimulate creative, imaginative play, providing sufficient variety and quantity to meet the needs and interests of the children.  
• Provide for the physical care of the children with responsible safety rules, treatment of minor injuries, and isolation of a sick child.  Keep records and inform parents of any accident or injury.  Maintain an emergency phone number file.  Keep written daily attendance records.
• Attend 30 hours of provided Professional Development over the course of the first year of teaching and 8 - 12 hours in the following years.  Included in these PD hours are a First Aid & CPR course and a Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention course.  

Education, Experience, Licensing Requirements:

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, preferably in Early Childhood or Elementary Education or a related field 
• Familiarity with developmentally appropriate instructional practices 
• Recent teaching experience or other activity in the area of Early Childhood Education 
• Previous experience with cooperative preschool, either as a participant or educator, is desired but not required

Please apply at this link: Teacher Applicant Questionnaire 2026