Child Care Teacher

Location: Richmond, VA

Engagement Type: Direct Hire

Work Mode: On-site

Duration: 3 Months

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child Care Teacher to join our team. Utilizing the Reggio educational approach, you will plan, develop, and implement creative lesson plans while maintaining a safe, secure, and highly engaging environment for children ranging from six weeks to six years of age. As a core member of our teaching staff, you will foster autonomy, nurture self-esteem, and facilitate cognitive, social, and motor development. This is a highly collaborative role focused on making learning an exciting process that helps every child reach their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that promote cognitive, social, and gross/fine motor skills.
• Supervise teacher aides and volunteers, ensuring comprehensive coverage and engagement in indoor and outdoor classrooms.
• Document daily progress, prepare written records for each child, and maintain open communication channels to review transitions with parents and staff.
• Foster children's independence, language skills, and self-esteem through positive interactions and respect for their unique abilities.
• Ensure adherence to all licensing, accrediting standards, and organizational policies, including strict infection control and environmental safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, hazard-free classroom by routinely sanitizing furniture and toys, sweeping floors, safely storing cleaning solutions, and monitoring play areas.
• Actively participate in collaborative team meetings, continuing education (CE) events, and special projects.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of formal, verifiable childcare experience working with children aged six weeks to six years.
• Two-year degree in early childhood education, child psychology, or a closely related field; OR a High School Diploma (or equivalent) supplemented by at least 40 hours of related coursework; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong reasoning, problem-solving, reading, comprehension, and logical thinking abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to hear effectively, speak clearly, write legibly, and manage frequent interactions with parents and staff.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly dynamic, and often noisy environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Physical capability to manage classroom demands, including frequent bending and climbing (steps, ladders, etc.).

Preferred Skills

• Direct experience caring for and educating infants and toddlers (six weeks to two years old).
• Familiarity with and understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophical approach to early childhood education.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate.

Schedule

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday. Hours: The child care center is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The selected candidate will work a 7.5-hour shift within this timeframe.