Early Childhood Educator

Job Description

Our partner the Mandel JCC´s Early Childhood Learning Center is defined by the excellence of our educators.
We view our teachers as researchers, lifelong learners, and professionals capable of continuous growth. We operate on a collaborative team model where every member—regardless of title—is empowered to maximize their potential through shared responsibilities and high-caliber professional development.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Constructivist Pedagogy

• View children as competent, capable learners and co-construct knowledge through shared research.
• Develop emergent curricula based on children’s ideas, interests, and developmental milestones.
• Create pedagogical narrations (documentation) to make children’s learning visible to the community.
• Foster an emotionally responsive classroom culture built on trust and security.

2. Environmental Design & Inquiry

• Curate intentional, flexible indoor and outdoor spaces that provoke wonder and intellectual engagement.
• Utilize open-ended materials and natural elements to stimulate exploration and sensory inquiry.
• Respectfully display children’s work as part of a continuous cycle of learning and reflection.

3. Family Partnerships

• Nurture collaborative, respectful partnerships with families, valuing them as essential members of the school community.
• Provide ongoing, relevant communication regarding child development through daily reflections, journey binders, and dialogues.
• Celebrate Jewish life and diversity joyfully with students and their families.

4. Professionalism & Leadership

• Engage in a minimum of 10 hours (or 1 CEU) of in-service training annually.
• Maintain a solution-oriented dialogue with your teaching team, fostering the leadership abilities of colleagues.
• Supervise and mentor substitute teachers and volunteers.
• Uphold the highest standards of safety, hygiene (Shmirat HaGuf), and ethical conduct.

Position Requirements

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Psychology/Sociology); or a valid CDA credential.
• Certifications: * DCF 40-hour introductory course completion (or educational exemption).
• DCF-approved 5-hour literacy training.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Communication: Exceptional English verbal and written skills.
• Expertise: Deep understanding of child development and the ability to integrate music, art, literacy, and science into daily expression.
• Cultural Competency: Knowledge of Jewish values and traditions (or a strong desire to learn through center-provided resources).

Preferred Qualifications:
• Graduate degree in a child-related field.
• 3+ years of experience in group educational settings.

Physical Requirements & Environment
• Active Engagement: Ability to run, reach, and sit on the floor or in small chairs to interact with children at their level.
• Stamina: Strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision in a high-energy environment.
• Lifting: Ability to safely lift children and materials up to 35 lbs.
• Environmental Exposure: Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions (sun, heat, humidity).
• Sensory Acuity: Strong visual and auditory skills to monitor multiple children and respond to hazards.