Preschool Teacher

The Children in the Shoe is offering a $1500 retention bonus for eligible full-time employees. We are on the hunt for the best, brightest, and most fun-loving teachers to join our team!

TEACHER / QUALIFIED FLOATER JOB DESCRIPTION

Location: In-Person (Non-Telecommuting)

Reports To: Center Director / Office Manager

Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Teacher is responsible for providing a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment where children can explore and learn. The teacher implements a domain-based curriculum that supports social-emotional growth, creativity, and independence through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Teachers develop lesson plans that are fortified with creative, meaningful experiences that meet the individual and group needs of children. This is an on-site, in-person position; remote work or telecommuting is not permitted.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

• Meet the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs of each child.
• Demonstrate warmth, emotional stability, and sensitivity to the needs of children, parents, and coworkers.
• Be actively engaged and responsive to all children’s daily activities and routines.
• Create an inclusive environment that supports all children, including those with developmental differences, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for the child’s background by incorporating cultural, linguistic, and familial values into lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized classroom that promotes exploration, independence, and learning.
• Conduct daily cleaning and sanitizing of toys, surfaces, and classroom materials following MSDE and COMAR health and safety standards.

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports learning in all domains—social-emotional, language and literacy, motor, and cognitive development.
• Organize daily activities and centers so children can learn about the world, explore interests, and develop talents.
• Develop schedules and routines to ensure children have adequate opportunities for learning, physical activity, rest, and playtime.
• Apply the principles of Positive Discipline and model conflict resolution strategies that support children’s emotional development.
• Complete ongoing assessments of each child’s growth using Maryland Early Learning Standards and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Maintain anecdotal records, observation photos, and work samples for each child’s portfolio.
• Preschool / Pre-Kindergarten Teachers: prepare children for kindergarten by introducing foundational academic concepts and fostering school readiness skills, including in areas of math and science.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and collaborate with assistant teachers, aides, practicum students, and volunteers to ensure effective classroom management and continuity of care.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to new staff and interns assigned to the classroom.
• Communicate daily with families through written reports, whiteboards, and personal conversations to share routines, progress, and developmental updates.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences and transition meetings to discuss student development (and for Preschool / Pre-Kindergarten Teachers, kindergarten readiness).
• Attend staff meetings, in-service training, and professional development sessions to maintain compliance and improve the quality of care.
• Ensure all MSDE licensing, health, safety, and supervision requirements are met at all times.

RECORDKEEPING & COMMUNICATION

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records such as attendance, developmental observations, lesson plans, family communications, and, if applicable: diapering/toileting charts, topical application forms, and daily reports.
• Use an iPad or laptop daily to record attendance, observations, and developmental updates in real time.
• Teachers must be comfortable using technology to document learning, communicate with families, and meet licensing documentation requirements.
• Report any concerns about health, safety, or development to the Center Director immediately.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all children, families, and staff in compliance with COMAR 13A.16.09.03.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Required Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; AA or ECE Degree preferred.
• Two years of experience in a licensed childcare center working with preschool or pre-kindergarten children.
• Preschool / Pre-Kindergarten Teacher: 90-hour Preschool Certification (required).
• Pre-service training in ADA compliance and 9 hours of communication training with staff, parents, and the community.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Must be at least 19 years of age and meet Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements for Senior Staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development.
• Demonstrate knowledge and growth across child development, safety, curriculum, inclusion, and health practices.
• Proficiency in writing and speaking in English.
• Comfort and proficiency with electronic devices such as iPads and laptops for documentation, communication, and child assessment purposes.
• Strong written, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and collaboration in all aspects of work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift to 50 lbs, sit on the floor, kneel, bend, stand, and move quickly to ensure child safety.
• Must be physically and mentally capable of responding promptly to children’s needs and emergencies.

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Complete Basic Health and Safety training within 90 days of employment and annually thereafter.
• Maintain annual continued training of at least 12 clock hours (or as required by MSDE).
• Participate and maintain an active status in the MSDE Credentialing Program.
• Attend center-required training such as CPR/First Aid renewals, Active Supervision, curriculum, and child development workshops.

WORK CONDITIONS

• This position is in-person only. Remote or hybrid work is not permitted.
• Work requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and active engagement with children throughout the day.

We offer

• A retention bonus. Come put down some roots.
• Training money. We want you to keep growing.
• Paid leave. Everyone needs time off.
• Healthcare. This is self-care.
• Lots more perks. Potlucks, theme days, etc.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $850.00 - $950.00 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person