Early Childhood Education

The Pumpkin Patch is currently looking to hire a new lead teacher and assistant teacher for our toddler and pre-school classrooms.

The ideal candidate will come with a positive attitude, a strong desire to learn and be part of a team, and genuine love of working with children. They will exhibit kindness and patience when working with students and fellow staff members, and work to establish deep, meaningful relationships within this learning community. This candidate should also hold values that align to our own (see the Pumpkin Patch’s program philosophy and mission statement below).

This is a full-time/ year-round position, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility around start and end times (between 7:30AM and 5:30PM for lead teachers; 11:30-5:30 for assistant teachers). We offer a competitive salary, as well as 15 days paid vacation and sick-time after the first 30 days, paid holidays and two additional weeks paid vacation during the summer for school closure during our transition to the new school year. Sign-on bonuses available after the first 90 days of employment.

Employees must successfully complete a full background check and must meet the criteria set forth by the CDD to qualify as a teacher (either through a career ladder or through transferable credits). Teachers must be at least twenty years of age.

The Pumpkin Patch: Program Philosophy

At the Pumpkin Patch our philosophy is rooted in play, curiosity, and creative expression. We believe that each child is unique, and comes to school every day with their own special talents, skills, and challenges. It is our goal to help them learn and grow in a supportive, nurturing environment that celebrates the whole child.

Our coop model program provides a unique, multi-generational approach to learning. While students will be guided by highly qualified teachers everyday, they will also have the opportunity to learn from young adults, parents, and aging community members. We believe that it truly does “take a village to raise a child” and strive to bring the village to our ‘patch.’ By sharing in the rich knowledge and vast perspectives that can only truly be seen when all voices are brought to the table, your child will experience an education whose foundation is built on diversity.

The Pumpkin Patch: Mission Statement

At the Pumpkin Patch we strive to grow curious, creative, learners while nurturing the whole child. We celebrate diversity and learning through developing deep, meaningful relationships with one another. At the ‘patch’ we believe:

Play is the foundation for the work of children and the cornerstone for learning

Attending to each child’s unique needs is how we can help them to feel supported and cared for

Teamwork is as important as time to explore individually

Curiosity is the spark of learning while creativity is the outcome

Helping one another to work through ‘big feelings’ is a necessary piece of our social-emotional growth

Responsibilities:
- Create and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities for children
- Provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow
- Foster social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development in young children
- Monitor and assess children's progress and provide feedback to parents/guardians
- Collaborate with other teachers and staff to ensure a cohesive learning environment
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, behavior, and developmental milestones
- Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding their child's progress

Skills:
- Strong understanding of child development principles and practices
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Patience, compassion, and the ability to connect with young children
- Ability to create engaging and interactive learning experiences
- Knowledge of Early Childhood Education curriculum and best practices
- Ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of individual children
- Strong organizational skills to manage lesson plans, materials, and student records

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 28 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Childcare: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person