Early Childhood Teacher

About Olive Tree Early Learning Academy

At Olive Tree Early Learning Academy, we believe children are fully human from the very beginning, born with dignity, curiosity, and an innate desire to connect, explore, and learn. Our work is grounded in a high image of the child, inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, trauma-responsive practices, and a commitment to connection over control.

We are a Christian nonprofit organization guided by values of restoration, dignity, community, reciprocity, and collaboration. Our classrooms are places where children are seen, known, and supported through relationships, intentional environments, and developmentally appropriate practice. We believe learning happens through play, inquiry, and connection, and that adults are called to model regulation, compassion, and reflective practice.

Position Overview

We are seeking an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Lead Teacher who is committed to creating a classroom environment where children grow to love learning. The Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall care, safety, and learning experiences of children and serves as a consistent, regulated presence for children and teaching team members.

Depending on program needs, this position may serve in our Infant, Toddler, or Preschool programs. While our current greatest need is within our Infant/Toddler program, we are seeking educators who are flexible and willing to support children across age groups as enrollment and staffing needs evolve.

This role requires the ability to guide children through connection-based discipline, design engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and collaborate closely with assistants, families, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Our classrooms utilize The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS GOLD) for ongoing assessment, and e-DECA to support social-emotional development. Lead Teachers are expected to use these tools thoughtfully and in alignment with our connection-based philosophy.

Classroom Leadership & Child Development

• Implement The Creative Curriculum with fidelity while adapting experiences to children's interests and developmental needs.
• Use Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS GOLD) to observe, document, and assess children's learning and growth.
• Utilize e-DECA to support and strengthen children's social-emotional development.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment rooted in connection and belonging.
• Maintain a high image of the child, viewing children as capable, curious, and active participants in their learning.
• Use developmentally appropriate, play-based, and inquiry-driven teaching practices.
• Design and facilitate learning experiences that support social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development.
• Reflect on assessment data to inform planning and individualized support.
• Observe, document, and reflect on children's learning to inform planning and support individual needs.
• Provide responsive caregiving routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, rest, and transitions, as opportunities for connection, learning, and relationship-building when working with infants and toddlers.

Guidance & Regulation

• Guide children's behavior through connection, co-regulation, and teaching missing skills rather than punishment or control.
• Remain calm, regulated, and responsive during moments of child dysregulation.
• Use proactive strategies, clear expectations, and consistent routines to support self-regulation.
• Collaborate with leadership and support staff when additional guidance is needed.

Team Collaboration

• Lead and collaborate with classroom assistants to ensure shared responsibility and consistency.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with colleagues, floaters, and administrators.
• Participate in coaching, reflection, and ongoing professional growth.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive team culture.

Family & Community Partnership

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly about children's experiences, growth, and needs.
• Partner with families in support of each child's development.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure consistent supervision and maintain health and safety standards at all times.
• Follow licensing regulations, program policies, and ethical guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and prepared classroom environment.

Qualifications Required

• CDA, Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience working with infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, or a combination of age groups.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, e-DECA, and Conscious Discipline.
• Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Ability to remain calm and reflective in challenging situations.

Preferred

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with a CDA (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience working with infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children.
• Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Ability to remain calm and reflective in challenging situations.
• Experience with Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, Conscious Discipline, or trauma-responsive care.
• Strong reflective and relational skills.
• Commitment to growth, learning, and collaboration.

Who Thrives at Olive Tree

This role is a good fit for someone who:

• Believes behavior is communication.
• Understands that caregiving routines such as feeding, diapering, toileting, and rest are important opportunities for connection, learning, and development.
• Is committed to leading with connection, not control.
• Values reflection, feedback, and continuous growth.
• Can hold structure and compassion at the same time.
• Is adaptable and willing to support children across different age groups as program needs evolve.
• Feels called to work with children in a way that honors their dignity and humanity.

What We Offer

• A mission- and values-driven work environment.
• Supportive leadership and coaching.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative, reflective team culture.
• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $40,000 – $45,000 annually, plus benefits.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (98% employer-paid for employee).
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and parental leave.
• Up to $600 annually for individual professional development.
• Reimbursement for individual therapy sessions up to $500 annually.
• Monthly performance-based micro-bonuses through the Bonusly app.

How to Apply

If you feel aligned with our philosophy and believe you are called to support infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers through connection-based, joyful early learning, we invite you to apply.

Please submit your resume and a brief statement describing your approach to early childhood education and the age group(s) with which you have experience or interest.

Olive Tree Early Learning Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for children, families, and staff.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $45,000