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Early Childhood Educator

The EC Educator provides leadership within the classroom to ensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment grounded in a Reggio Emilia–inspired philosophy. This role is responsible for curriculum design and implementation, classroom management, documentation of children’s learning, and fostering strong relationships with families. The EC Educator serves as a facilitator of child-led inquiry and a collaborative partner to colleagues while advancing the mission and values of Urban Sprouts. This role reports directly to the Head of Pedagogy.

Compensation & Benefits:

Pay Range: $19 - $24 per hour (USD), Salary commensurate with experience and education.

Our generous benefits include:

Eligibility to participate in our Teacher Housing program
Medical Health Insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one-year service anniversary
Dental & Vision insurance of which we pay 75% of the premium to start and 90% of the premium after your one-year service anniversary
Free snacks and beverages
Free CPR/First Aid training as well as other trainings throughout the year
2 Paid Mental Health Days a year
All Federal Holidays Paid, to include Juneteenth and MLK day
Special Staff Appreciation Event in Summer (typically involving free travel)
403 B (comparable to 401K) retirement plan

Paid Time Off (PTO):

5 weeks of PTO starting at year one
7 weeks after 2 years
8 weeks after 5 years

*This total PTO includes several pre-scheduled breaks throughout the year:

1 week Spring Break (March)
2 weeks Winter Break (December/January)
1 week Summer Break (July)

*Flexible PTO for personal use:

1 week in your first year (starts after first 30 days)
2 weeks after your second year
3 weeks after your third year

Key Responsibilities

Daily Classroom Operations

● Maintain at all times high-quality child care standards grounded in developmentally appropriate practice and aligned with the school’s philosophy and curriculum approach.

● Design and maintain an inviting, intentional classroom environment that reflects children’s interests and supports inquiry-based learning.

● Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all children, responding promptly and appropriately to incidents or concerns.

● Maintain child-to-staff ratios at all times and collaborate with leadership to ensure proper classroom coverage.

● Establish consistent classroom routines that promote independence, responsibility, and community.

● Support and lead with Co- Teacher(s) and support staff within the classroom.

● Maintain accurate attendance, incident reports, and required documentation in accordance with licensing requirements.

Curriculum and Documentation

● Lead the development and implementation of emergent, project-based curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.

● Observe children closely and document learning through photographs, written reflections, and displays that make learning visible.

● Plan intentional provocations and experiences that extend children’s thinking and inquiry.

● Use assessment tools and documentation to inform instruction and individualize learning experiences.

● Collaborate with the pedagogical team to reflect on curriculum, plan next steps, and ensure alignment across classrooms.

● Participate in ongoing professional development to deepen understanding of child development and Reggio-inspired practice.

Family and Child Engagement

● Maintain strong, respectful, and consistent communication with families.

● Conduct parent-teacher conferences and share documentation of children’s growth and development.

● Support family engagement events and school-wide initiatives.

● Partner with families using strengths-based and culturally responsive practices.

● Collaborate with leadership and support staff when developmental or behavioral concerns arise.

Team Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

● Serve as a collaborative and supportive member of the teaching team.

● Model professionalism, reflective practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

● Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, training, and school events.

● Support Assistant Teachers through mentorship, coaching, and clear communication.

● Maintain working knowledge of Missouri State Child Care Licensing regulations and NAEYC standards.

● Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and sustainability of the program.

Garden to Table Integration

● Integrate garden, kitchen, and farm-to-table experiences into classroom learning when appropriate.

● Collaborate with kitchen and farm staff to extend seasonal programming into curriculum projects.

● Support children’s participation in food preparation, gardening, and related hands-on learning experiences while ensuring health and safety compliance.

Qualifications

● Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.

● Minimum of 3 years of experience in an early childhood classroom setting.

● Experience leading a classroom or readiness to step into a lead educator role.

● Knowledge of or interest in the Reggio Emilia approach, emergent curriculum, and inquiry-based learning.

● Strong classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.

● Commitment to reflective practice and professional growth.

Core Competencies and Expectations

● Demonstrates strong leadership within the classroom and fosters a collaborative team culture.

● Builds meaningful relationships with children and families.

● Maintains confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

● Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively.

● Aligns daily practice with the mission, values, and philosophy of Urban Sprouts.

● Demonstrates curiosity, flexibility, and a deep respect for children as capable learners.

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Early Childhood Teacher in Saint Louis, Missouri at Urban Sprouts Child Development Center

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