Infant Toddler Educator

The Infant-Toddler Teacher at Every Child Oaks (ECO) is a reflective practitioner who designs and facilitates responsive, relationship-based learning experiences for children ages 0-3. Grounded in the Reggio Emilia approach and informed by developmental and neurodiversity-affirming practices, this role emphasizes attunement, co-regulation, and meaning-making through everyday interactions. This is a newly developed program offering, and the Infant-Toddler Teacher will play an active and influential role in shaping its vision, practices, and ongoing development. The infant toddler teacher works collaboratively with other educators and atelierista to create environments that honor each child as capable, competent, and full of potential, while fostering secure attachments, early communication, and participation in a community of learners. Every Child Oaks Preschool is a small inclusive mixed age early childhood program grounded in a Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy and informed by evidence-based practices that support the developmental needs of all children. It's purpose is to serve as a demonstration program and laboratory for the blending of the pedagogical approach and clinical intervention model of a Naturalistic Developmental and Behavioral Intervention for young children with Autism. The program is rooted in the belief that children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships within thoughtfully designed environments. Classrooms and natural spaces are intentionally created to foster inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging, while honoring each child's unique developmental profile, interests, and learning style. Through emergent curriculum, careful observation, and ongoing documentation, educators partner with families to support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. The program cultivates a warm, respectful community in which children are viewed as capable learners and teachers serve as co-learners and researchers, committed to continuous professional growth and reflective practice. Key Responsibilities 1. Relationship-Based Care and Education Develop secure, responsive relationships with infants, toddlers, and their families Support emotional regulation through attuned caregiving, co-regulation, and predictable routines Approach caregiving moments (feeding, diapering, rest) as opportunities for connection and communication 2. Pedagogical Practice (Reggio Emilia-Inspired) Observe, document, and interpret children's actions, expressions, and emerging interests Design environments and experiences that provoke exploration, inquiry, and sensory engagement Value the "hundred languages of children," including movement, gesture, sound, and early symbolic expression Engage in reflective dialogue with colleagues to co-construct curriculum 3. Inclusive and Developmentally Responsive Practice Support children with diverse developmental profiles Embed individualized supports naturally within routines and interactions Collaborate with families to ensure continuity of care and learning 4. Environment as the Third Teacher Curate calm, aesthetically intentional environments that support exploration, autonomy, and belonging Select open-ended, natural materials that invite investigation and sensory discovery Maintain spaces that reflect children's work, identities, and relationships 5. Documentation and Reflection Use pedagogical documentation to make learning visible and guide curriculum decisions Participate in team reflection, study groups, and ongoing professional inquiry Share documentation with families to foster connection and understanding 6. Family Partnership and Communication Build reciprocal, respectful relationships with families Engage families as collaborators in children's learning and development Communicate regularly about children's experiences, growth, and well-being 7. Professional Collaboration and Growth Participate in coaching, mentoring, and reflective supervision Engage in ongoing professional development related to Reggio Emilia, early development, and inclusive practices Contribute to a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and continuous improvement Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (or equivalent experience) Experience working with infants and toddlers (0-3 years) in group settings Familiarity with or strong interest in the Reggio Emilia approach Experience or openness to working in inclusive environments with children with diverse developmental profiles Strong observation, communication, and reflective thinking skills Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of relationship-based and attachment-informed practices Opened to early intervention approaches Experience with pedagogical documentation Bilingual or multilingual abilities Core Competencies Emotional attunement and responsiveness Curiosity and reflective practice Collaboration and communication Flexibility and openness to learning Commitment to inclusion and equity Work Environment ECO is a collaborative, inquiry-driven environment grounded in values of growth, inclusion, reciprocity, and community. It is a nature based program with a strong emphasis on the natural surroundings. Teachers are supported through coaching, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development. Physical Requirements Ability to lift and carry young children Comfort with floor-based work, movement, and active engagement Ability to respond to children's physical and emotional needs throughout the day

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$20.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person