Reggio-inspired Preschool Teacher

Reggio-inspired Preschool Teacher As a professional educator . . . Do you believe children should have a connection to nature and the value it holds? Do you advocate children learning organically instead of through rote memorization? Do you love the freedom to manage your classroom and the ability to change it to reflect the children in the classroom? Do you value lower child ratios? These are just a few of the values that typify life at Laurelwood Community Preschool. We are inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach to early education, which focuses on inquiry and discovery while emphasizing learning through the natural sciences and expressive arts in a play-based environment. Our goal is to stimulate children's learning, support critical thinking and make learning visible. We achieve this goal by engaging in project-based learning, collaboration between children, educators, family members and documentation of the students' learning during the process. We are looking for an educator who is flexible to work with any classroom, ages 2 - 5. The position is full-time, Monday - Friday, approximately 6:45 am to 3:00 pm. On Tuesdays, there is a staff meeting until 4:15 pm. We are a year-round school. Highlights of Position

• Supports the social and emotional development of children through the use of conflict resolution, reflective listening and inquiry
• Utilizes the environment as the third teacher by creating a beautiful, intentional and stimulating classroom
• Communicates regularly with parents in order to make learning visible through documentation such as notes, portfolios, emails, documentation boards, etc.
• Seeks parents and family input as a way to build relationships in our Laurelwood community
• Collaborates with colleagues to analyze and interpret documentation and envision/create the next steps for small group exploration
• Comfortable working in an environment where the children's interests serve as the catalyst for learning versus a predetermined curriculum
• Appreciation for and a desire to scaffold nature-based education
• Attends school events and professional development outside of the classroom
• Utilizes research, documentation, and assessments to guide teaching and curriculum
• Strategizes with the pedagogical/art coordinator to extend learning in the classroom
• Holds parent-teacher conferences twice per year. Meets with parents at other times as deemed necessary
• Values low child-to-teacher ratios, which fosters meaningful work: 1:6-7 (2-year-olds) 1:8 (3-4-year-olds) 1:10-11 (4-5-year-olds) Max 35 children center total Requirements
• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a degree in a closely related field with 12 semester credit hours in Early Childhood Education/Child Development/Psychology
• 1 year of full-time experience in an early childhood setting
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and written
• Computer literacy in MS Office and Canva - producing weekly newsletters and making portfolios showing samples of children's work
• Kind, nurturing, playful, and patient demeanor
• Organizational skills
• Creative thinker Benefits Warm and supportive work environment includes:
• 2 days' closure for parent-teacher conferences,
• 2 days' closure for room transitions,
• 5 hours' weekly planning time outside of children's nap hours,
• Competitive compensation (even compared to larger centers),
• 21 - 23 paid holidays,
• 10 days' vacation (after 1 year); 5 days (after 6 months),
• 3 days' sick/personal time,
• Paid professional development,
• 25% child tuition discount, and
• Matching 401(k) retirement program with immediate vesting.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications Must be able to successfully pass criminal background check. Submission of physician-approved Medical Report and negative TB test. EEO Statement Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. To Apply Include a cover letter explaining why you believe Laurelwood is a fit for you professionally. Only qualified candidates will be notified regarding their submissions. Thank you in advance for your interest in being part of the Laurelwood team!

Pay:

$39,634.00 - $41,600.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Employee discount Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Application Question(s): Do you live within 45 to 60 minutes driving distance of 4710 Waxhaw-Marvin Road, Waxhaw, NC?

Education:

Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

Preschool:

1 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person