Early Childhood Educator

Date posted: April 1, 2026

Pay: $16.00 - $22.00 per hour

Job description:

SAHARA DAYCARE

Role: Early Childhood Education Teacher

Location: In-Person · Memphis | Cordova | Tennessee

Compensation: $16.00 – $22.00/hr, Based on Experience

Employment: Full-Time

Shift: Day Shift Required

Reports To: Assistant Director

Education: Associate Degree in ECE or related (min. 30 ECE credits)

About the Role

Sahara Daycare is seeking a dedicated and passionate Early Childhood Education Teacher to join our team. In this role, you will create a nurturing, stimulating classroom environment where every child feels safe, seen, and empowered to grow. You will lead a cohesive teaching team, design developmentally appropriate curriculum, and serve as a trusted partner to families in their children's early learning journey.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with early learning standards.
• Plan and facilitate individual and group activities that promote social, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth.
• Create a stimulating classroom environment that actively engages children and encourages curiosity.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and coach teacher assistants and classroom volunteers through modeling and guidance.
• Supervise daily classroom activities to ensure adherence to planned curriculum, hygiene, and safety standards.

Family Engagement

• Build strong, open relationships with families through daily communication, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Address and resolve parental concerns with empathy and professionalism.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a clean, healthy, and secure classroom environment in line with center policies and state regulations.
• Ensure all safety and hygiene protocols are consistently followed by all classroom staff and volunteers.

Administration

• Maintain accurate student records, forms, attendance logs, and developmental files.
• Actively pursue professional development to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education highly preferred or a related field with a minimum of 30 ECE credit hours.
• High School Diploma or GED (consideration with 5 to 10 years ECE experience from Reputable firm).

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years +, of professional childcare or early education experience.
• Strong understanding of child development across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains.
• Excellent communication skills — both with children and adults (staff, parents, administrators).
• Proven leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to foster a team environment.
• High energy, adaptability, and a genuine passion for working with young children.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Certifications & Requirements

• Valid Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Must reside in Tennessee.
• Must successfully pass a full background check and health screening.

Physical Requirements

This role requires regular physical activity to support an active classroom environment, including:

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, squatting, and occasionally crawling.
• Use of hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, and materials.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Visual acuity including close and distance vision, color recognition, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Ability to hear and communicate effectively at varying voice levels throughout the day.

Compensation

$16.00 – $22.00 per hour

Pay varies based on experience and qualifications. Candidates who meet or exceed the minimum education and experience requirements can expect to be considered at the higher end of the range.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Discount

Prof. Development

Sahara Daycare · Early Childhood Learning Center | Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Temporary

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Pay: $16.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person