What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood Educator (Lead Teacher) position at Temple Shalom Dallas?
About Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center
Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center is a play-based early childhood program with a strong connection to nature and outdoor learning. Children spend significant time outdoors exploring seasonal changes, gardening, and engaging with natural materials that inspire curiosity and discovery. Our educators believe that wonder, play, and meaningful connection with the natural world are powerful foundations for early learning. Teachers support children’s learning through play-based experiences, project work, and daily engagement with outdoor environments that serve as extensions of the classroom. This role offers the opportunity to serve as a founding educator, contributing to the development of a new program and helping to shape its identity, traditions, and learning environment from the very beginning.
The Opportunity
Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center is seeking full-time Lead Teachers to join our dynamic staff community for the 2026–2027 school year. Lead Teachers design and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support children’s growth and curiosity. These educators guide children’s learning through project work, play-based experiences, and daily engagement with outdoor environments that serve as extensions of the classroom. This is a full-time (40 hours per week), year-round position. Classrooms include infants (2–12 months), young toddler (13–17 months), older toddler (18–35 months), and mixed-age preschool (3–5 years).
Key Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing curriculum that reflects play-based and nature-informed learning
- Guiding children in outdoor exploration, gardening, and investigations using natural materials
- Supporting children’s confidence, resilience, and problem-solving through active play and exploration
- Preparing responsive learning environments that reflect children’s interests and developmental needs
- Making children’s learning visible through documentation, journals, and classroom displays
- Assessing children’s development and preparing progress reports
- Communicating with families through newsletters, conferences, and family meetings
- Working with children in individual, small-group, and whole-group settings throughout the day
- Using positive, developmentally appropriate guidance strategies
- Participating actively in team meetings, professional development, and school events
- Contributing to a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive school culture
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
- Experience working in an early childhood educational environment
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with children, families, and colleagues
- Interest in or openness to nature-based education, outdoor learning, and emergent curriculum
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Approaches teaching with curiosity, flexibility, and a sense of wonder
- Enjoys spending significant time outdoors and is comfortable working in varied weather conditions
- Values play, exploration, and child-led discovery as meaningful ways children learn
- Is attentive and reflective, using observation to support children’s growth
- Works collaboratively and contributes positively to a supportive team culture
- Demonstrates patience, warmth, and respect for each child’s unique development
- Models care and appreciation for the natural world
Physical Requirements
- Ability to move throughout classrooms and outdoor learning environments in varied weather conditions
- Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, and kneeling
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- Retirement account
- Ongoing professional development opportunities