Child Care Teacher

Location: Richmond, VA 23298
Duration: 3 Months Direct Hire

Job Summary

We are seeking a caring, creative, and dedicated Child Care Teacher to plan and implement engaging learning experiences for children from six weeks to six years of age.

Using the Reggio Emilia educational approach, the Child Care Teacher will create a safe, secure, and stimulating classroom environment that encourages children's creativity, independence, self-esteem, and overall development.

The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with other teachers and staff, maintain positive relationships with families, and support each child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement creative and age-appropriate lesson plans for the assigned classroom.

• Support children's cognitive, social, emotional, language, and motor development.

• Document children's daily activities, progress, and observations, and prepare reports and feedback for parents.

• Create an engaging learning environment that promotes independence, creativity, and self-esteem.

• Apply Reggio Emilia concepts in both indoor and outdoor classroom activities.

• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and healthy classroom environment.

• Follow established childcare policies, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and regulatory guidelines.

• Supervise teacher aides and volunteers assigned to the classroom.

• Ensure proper infection-control procedures and routine cleaning of classroom furniture, toys, books, and equipment.

• Identify and report potential safety hazards, damaged toys, and unsafe classroom or playground conditions.

• Ensure appropriate playground supervision and adequate staff coverage.

• Maintain accurate records and support smooth transitions for children entering or leaving the classroom.

• Collaborate with teachers, team leaders, supervisors, directors, and families to address children's needs.

• Participate in staff meetings, mandatory training, continuing education, and special projects.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of formal experience working with children.

• Previous paid or unpaid experience working with children between six weeks and six years of age.

• Ability to plan and implement age-appropriate educational activities.

• Strong communication, problem-solving, reasoning, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to adapt to changing situations and handle frequent interactions with children, parents, and staff.

• Ability to work in a noisy classroom environment.

• Ability to perform physical activities, including frequent bending and climbing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience specifically working with infants and toddlers, particularly children between six weeks and two years old.

• Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy and teaching approach.

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate.

Required Education

• Two-year degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Psychology, Psychology, or a closely related field.

• Alternatively, a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 40 hours of coursework in Early Childhood Education or a related field, such as Child Psychology or Children's Literature.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.