Child Care Teacher - Early Childhood Education

Job Title: Child Care Teacher

Position Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Location: Richmond, VA 23298
Schedule: Monday–Friday
Shift: 7.5-hour shifts scheduled between 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Job Summary

The Child Care Teacher plans, develops, and implements engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences using the Reggio Emilia educational approach. This role supports children from six weeks to six years of age by providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes cognitive, social, emotional, and motor development.

As part of a collaborative teaching team, the Child Care Teacher builds strong relationships with children and families while fostering independence, creativity, and self-esteem.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan, develop, and implement creative and adaptive lesson plans
• Design activities that promote cognitive, social, language, and motor development
• Support gross and fine motor skills, independence, and self-concept development
• Demonstrate understanding of Reggio concepts in both indoor and outdoor classrooms

Child Development & Family Engagement

• Document daily child progress and classroom activities
• Prepare reports and provide regular feedback to parents and families
• Review developmental data and support smooth classroom transitions
• Promote autonomy, respect, and enriched learning experiences

Classroom & Team Leadership

• Maintain a clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment
• Supervise teacher aides and volunteers within assigned scope
• Collaborate with other teachers, team leaders, and supervisors
• Participate actively in staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Follow all licensing and accrediting body requirements
• Implement infection control procedures and environmental safety standards
• Ensure toys, furniture, and learning spaces are safe, clean, and well-maintained
• Monitor playground supervision and safety coverage
• Properly prepare, label, store, and secure cleaning solutions
• Report safety concerns and remove hazards promptly

Additional Duties

• Support department initiatives and special projects
• Accept alternate assignments as needed
• Perform other duties aligned with departmental and organizational goals

Required Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree (2-year) in Early Childhood Education, Child Psychology, Psychology, or a closely related field
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 40 hours of coursework in Early Childhood Education or related field
  OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 6 years (paid or unpaid)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, sometimes noisy environment
• Strong communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and adaptability skills
• Ability to manage frequent and intense parent/customer interactions

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education
• Child Development Associate (CDA) certification
• Experience working specifically with children 6 weeks to 2 years old
• Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy

Why This Role

• Multiple openings with long-term stability
• Supportive, team-based teaching environment
• Opportunity to apply creative, child-centered learning philosophies
• Meaningful impact during critical early childhood development stages