Lead Preschool Teacher

The Olive Branch Community School is a play- and project-based, emergent curriculum preschool with powerful inspiration drawn from the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education. We believe in the importance of child-guided learning in an intentionally Prepared Environment in order to construct a healthy foundation of important life skills.

We are looking to grow our team. A prime candidate is one who values the outdoors and has interest or experience in emergent curriculum or Reggio-inspired preschool environments. Creativity and independence are highly valued for this position. Applicants should be enthusiastic about play and the nature of childhood, and should find interest in the development of young minds.

At The Olive Branch, we are committed to providing a healthy, supportive, and inspiring environment for both our children and our staff. Teachers are afforded creative freedom in their work and our team is committed to growth, adaptation, and inspiration via weekly meetings, mentorship, and regular professional development. A top priority at The Olive Branch Community School is the wellness of every member of our team. To avoid burnout and to keep us feeling sharp, we provide a monthly Wellness Allowance to each employee for self-care-related items or services. Some examples are a yoga/fitness class, a state park entry fee, a movie date, a manicure, etc. Please enjoy - on us!

Job overview:

This position includes responsibility of curriculum development and implementation with creative freedom. We are looking for a leader who is ready to take enthusiastic ownership of this role.

Teachers at The Olive Branch work to develop meaningful relationships with children and families, and build off of these relationships while facilitating learning with the children. They work to become reflective and skilled in child observation, and use these skills to develop and implement curriculum.

Primary objectives:

• Provide loving care and supervision to all children in the program, and work to develop strong, personal bonds with each child.
• Develop and implement curriculum in accordance with The Olive Branch Community School's guiding philosophies and pedagogy.
• Maintain a safe and rich learning environment for all children.

Responsibilities and duties:

• Conduct regular child observations.
• Provide input and collaborative efforts for curriculum development and assessments, and to be responsible for daily implementation thereof.
• Carry out child-led project pathways.
• Provide supervision, and attend to children’s basic needs such as shoeing, toileting, diapering, etc.
• Facilitate learning with children in an inquiry-driven, intentional and responsive manner.
• Perform opening and/or closing procedures as needed; setting invitations and provocations with creative freedom and ownership of classroom space
• Refer to knowledge of typical developmental milestones and Stages of Play as guidance in overall work.
• Provide input and collaborative efforts for parent teacher conferences (held twice per school year).

Teachers receive:

• Paid time off
• Sick leave
• Monthly materials budget for classroom supplies
• Monthly Wellness Allowance for self-care-related items or services
• Performance based salary increases, including incentives for continuing education and professional development
• Opportunities for growth

Growth opportunities:

The Olive Branch Community School began as a small program and has seen continuous growth since its inception. With further expansion on the horizon, new teachers will become a part of the program's continued development and will see plenty of opportunities for growth.

Qualifications:

• Ability to pass state-mandated background check
• Completion of mandated reporter training or willingness to do so
• 12 core ECE units
• Experience in play based, project based, and/or Reggio Emilia inspired preschool environments preferred
• A passion for Early Childhood and child-led learning
• Creative and artistic nature

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Have you completed or are you in the process of completing the 12 core ECE units?

Work Location: In person