Join the Candelen Team – Empowering Early Childhood, Together

At Candelen, we believe in the boundless potential of every child and the power of adults to nurture that growth. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families, educators, and communities so that all children have the foundation they need to succeed. With a passionate team and innovative programs, we bring lasting impact to the lives of young children across Arizona and beyond.

We’re growing - and we’re looking for talented, mission-driven individuals to grow with us.

Position: Early Care Educator

Location: Pima County
Reports to: Team & Relationship Manager
Employment Type: Full-time, Non-exempt, Grant-funded

About the Role
The Early Care Educator (ECE) provides a high-quality early childhood learning environment to children in a variety of community settings, while their family members or caregivers are in a separate room strengthening their early learning knowledge. The ECE is responsible for following lesson plans, coordinating with family members and caregivers and coaching and mentoring team members.

This position is unique in that child care is provided for 2-hour sessions at various community locations versus a full 8-hour day. This position requires the individual to be bilingual in Spanish and English. This position is based in Pima County and requires travel throughout Arizona.

If you’re someone who thrives in a collaborative, values-driven environment and wants to make a meaningful difference in early childhood outcomes - this could be the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

Provide Services

• Provide engaging and safe learning opportunities for young children.
• Implement high quality and best practice lesson plans for children in child care.
• Nurture and develop a learning environment that fosters safety, trust, and connection.
• Build rapport and trusting relationships with families, caregivers, community partners, and colleagues in a culturally appropriate and attuned manner to support program delivery.?

Leadership

• Represent Candelen by participating in community outreach and programmatic events.
• Engage in the strategic direction of the organization.

Other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least four (4) years of work experience in a child care setting.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Resides in Pima County.
• Ability to travel throughout the state, have a current/valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance, and have reliable transportation at all times with the ability to travel regularly to assigned program sites.
• Ability to meet background check requirements upon initial hire and for the duration of employment.
• Have and maintain an Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Knowledge of basic early childhood development and strategies to engage with young children.
• Interpersonal skills, excellent verbal and written communication with the ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals and groups.
• Communication that supports the understanding, self-reflection, and growth of others.
• Proficient with computer programs and ability to navigate technology including but not limited to Microsoft Office, email systems, SLACK and related programs.
• Flexibility to work from home, some evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Ability to lift 15-30 pounds; stoop, bend and squat to child’s eye level for appropriate periods of time; stand for approximately three hours at a time, including being outdoors for extended periods of time; sit for periods of time on the floor; get up and down from the floor without assistance, run after a child if necessary; climb and descend a flight of stairs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree or college credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Background in supporting children with special needs, Montessori, NAEYC, or other early childhood roles.

Please note:

• Qualified candidates will be invited to a virtual interview.
• Starting hourly rate: $15.50-$17.00 per hour

Why Candelen?

At Candelen, we care about our team just as much as we care about the communities we serve. Here’s a glimpse at what we offer:

• Competitive salary and the opportunity for mission-driven work
• Generous paid time off, including holidays and wellness weeks
• Employer-paid benefits for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team culture